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THE  STAR  BOOK 

ON  BAPTIST 
CHURCH  POLITY 


E.  T.  Hiscox,  D.  D. 


AMERICAN  BAPTIST 
PUBLICATION  SOCIETY 


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PRINCETON,  N.  J. 


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Presented   byY^oXT^T"^  .\Jv) d7\X-^\\  (SAo\-p\ 

BX  6207  .A35  H58  1880 
Hiscox,  Edward  Thurston, 

1814-1901. 
The  star  book  on  Baptist 


THZ 


Star  Book 


ON 


BAPTIST  CHURCH  POLITY, 


Rev.  E.  T.  HISCOX,  D.D. 

Author  of  Baptist  Church  Directory,  Baptist  Short 
Method,  Star  Book  Series,  &c.,  &c. 


THIRTY-SEVENTH  THOUSAND. 


PHILADELPHIA  : 

AMERICAN   BAPTIST  PUELICATION  SOCIETY 
1420  Chestnut  Street. 


Entered,  accori'irij:  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  yar  1880,  by 

WARD  &   DRUxMMOND. 
Successor?  to  U.  D,  Warh, 

lathe  office  oi  i.ne  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


PREFACE 

TO  THE  REVISED  AND  ENLARGED  EDITION. 


It  is  probably  safe  to  say,  that  two-thirds  of  the 
cases  of  strife  and  division  which  rend  the  churches 
and  scandalize  religion,  are  due  to  misjudged  and 
misdirected  proceedings  in  Church  business,  and  in 
the  exercise  of  discipline.  It  is  of  the  utmost  im- 
portance, that,  not  only  pastors  and  deacdns,  but  the 
members  generally,  should  understand  what  consti- 
tutes correct  action,  since  on  their  vote  depend  decis- 
ions which  involve  the  most  serious  consequences  to 
the  churches. 

Many  of  the  churches  have  prepared  for  themselves 
brief  manuals,  embracing  articles  of  faith,  covenant, 
rules  of  order,  with  various  statements  of  principles. 
But  the  greater  part  of  them  are  very  imperfect,  and 
not  a  few  are  very  erroneous,  and  misguiding  in  some 
of  their  positions  and  principles. 

The  object  of  this  little  work  is  to  provide  a  brief 
manual,  which  will  serve  as  a  guide  in  the  more  im- 
portant concerns,  as  well  as  in  the  ordinary  ex- 
perience of  the  churches.  Its  statements  and  princi- 
ples, so  far  as  they  go,  are  sanctioned  by  the  almost 
universal  usages  of  our  churches,  and  will  generally 


"be  accepted  and  approved  by  the  best  authorities,  on 
the  most  careful  examination.  It  is  in  strict  accor- 
dance with  the  larger  work,  the  Baptist  Church  Di- 
rectory, prepared  by  the  author,  and  published  many 
years  ago,  great  numbers  of  which  have  been  circu- 
lated in  all  sections  of  the  country,  and  which  is  gen- 
erally accepted  as  a  standard  in  matters  of  Baptist 
Church  polity  ;  and  which  has  passed  into  five  or  six 
translations,  and  is  in  general  use  on  our  foreign 
mission  fields. 

The  present  edition  is  much  improved  by  a  careful 
revision,  and  also  by  the  addition  of  considerable  new 
matter.  The  Scripture  references  to  the  Articles  of 
Faith,  omitted  in  the  first  editions  to  save  space  and 
expense,  have  in  this  been  supplied,  while,  at  the 
same  time,  the  price  has  been  reduced. 

The  need  of  such  a  manual,  and  the  value  of  this 
to  supply  the  want,  are  certified  by  the  large  sale  it 
has  already  had,  and  the  universal  commendation  it 
has  received. 

It  is  hoped  the  pastors  and  their  churches  will  see 
the  advantage  of  putting  a  copy  of  the  Star  Book  into 
the  hands  of  every  member,  and  of  every  candidate 
for  admission. 

Its  general  adoption  could  not  fail  to  add  much  to 
the  uniformity  of    Church  action,    and  the  harmony 

of  Church  life. 

E.  T.  H. 
New  York,  March  lo,  1880. 


Articles  of  Faith. 


I. — The  Scriptures. 
We  believe  that  the  Holy  Bible  was  written  by 
men  divinely  inspired,  and  is  a  perfect  treasure 
of  heavenly  instruction  ;  ^  that  it  has  God  for  its 
author,  salvation  for  its  end,^  and  truth  without 
any  mixture  cf  error  for  is  matter;*  that  it  re- 
veals the  principles  by  \\h  ch  God  will  juc'ge  us  ;* 
and  therefore  is,  ard  shall  remain  to  the  end  of 
the  world,  the  true  centre  of  Christian  union,*  and 
the  supreme  standard  by  which  all  human  con- 
duct, creeds,  and  opinions  should  be  tried. ^ 


'  2  Tim.  iii.  i6,  17.  All  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration 
o^  God,  and  1 .  profitable  f«.T  doctrine,  f  r  reproof,  1  r  cor- 
rection, f.r  instruct  n  iri  rightrousness;  that  ihe  man  of 
God  may  be  perfect,  thorouglily  furnished  unto  all  good 
works.  Also,  2  Pet.  i.  21.  2  Sarn.  xx  ii.  2.  Act*;  i  16;  iii. 
21.  John  X.  35.  Luke  xvi.  29-31.  Ps.  cxix.  iii.  Rom. 
iii.  I,  2. 

'  2  Tim,  iii.  15.  Able  to  make  thee  wise  unto  salvat'on. 
Also,  I  Pet.  i.  10-12,  Acis  xi.  14.  Rom.  i.  16.  Maik  xvi. 
16.     John  V.  38-39. 


'  Proverbs  xxx.  5,  6.  Every  word  of  God  is  pure.  Add 
thou  not  unto  his  words,  lest  he  reprove  thee,  and  thou  be 
found  a  har.  Also,  John  xvii.  17.  Rev.  xxii.  18,  19.  Rom. 
iii.  4. 

*  Rom.  ii.  12.  As  many  as  have  sinned  in  the  law,  shall 
be  judged  by  the  law.  John  xii.  47,  48.  If  any  man  hear 
my  words — the  word  that  I  have  spoken,  the  same  shall 
judge  him  in  the  last  day.  Also,  i  Cor.  iv.  3,  4.  Luke  x. 
10-16  ;  xii.  47,  48. 

5  Phil.  iii.  16.  Let  us  walk  by  the  same  rule;  let  us 
mind  the  same  thing.  Also,  Ephes.  iv.  3,  6.  Phil.  ii.  i,  2. 
I  Cor.  i.  10.     I  Pet.  iv.  11. 

"  I  John  iv.  I.  Beloved,  believe  not  every  spirit,  but  try 
thespiritswhether  (hey  are  of  Gjd.  Isaiah  viii.  20.  To  the 
law  and  to  the  testimony;  If  they  speak  not  according  to 
this  word,  it  is  because  there  is  no  light  in  them,  i  Thess. 
V.  21.  2  Cor.  xiii.  5.  Acts  xvii.  11.  i  John  iv.  6.  Jude 
3.  5.     Ephes.  vi.  17.     Ps.  cxix.  59,  60.     Phil.  i.  9-11. 

II.— The  True  God. 

We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  there  is 
one,  and  only  one,  living  and  true  God,  an  infi- 
nite, intelligent  Spirit,  whose  name  is  Jehovah, 
the  Maker  and  Supreme  Ruler  of  Heaven  and 
Earth  :'  inexpressibly  glorious  in  holiness,'  and 
worthy  of  all  possible  honor,  confidence  and 
love ;  3  that  in  the  unity  of  the  Godhead  there 
are  three  persons,  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the 
Holy  Ghost ;  ^  equal  in  every  divine  perfection, 
and  executing  distinct  but  harmonious  offices  in 
the  great  work  of  redemption.' 


'  Jo'^n  iv.  24.  God  is  a  Sii  it.  Ps.  cxlvi'i.  5.  His  un- 
ders'ar  dirt^  is  infinit'*.  Ps.  Ixxxiii.  18.  Thou  whose  name 
al  ne  is  J  EHOVAH,  ort  the  Most  High  over  all  the  earth. 
Heb.  i  i.  4.     R  m.  i.  20.     Jer.  x.  10. 

'  Ex.  XV.  II.  Who  is  like  unto  The  - — g^ori  us  in  holi- 
ne-    ?     Is».  vi.  3.     1  Pet.  i.  15,  16.     Rev.  iv.  6-8. 

3  Mark  xii.  30.  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  Goi  wi'li 
all  ihy  he  rt,  ard  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind, 
antl  wi'h  a  I  thv  strength.  Rev.  iv.  ir.  Thou  art  w  r  hy, 
O  Lord,  to  receive  glory,  and  honor,  and  power.  Matt.  x. 
37.     Jer.  ii.  12,  13. 

*  Matt,  xxvi.i.  19.  Go  ye  therefore  and  teach  all  nations^ 
bpp  izing  thrm  in  the  name  of  the  Fa  her,  and  c  f  thf  S  n^ 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  John  xv.  26.  i  Cor.  xii.  4-6.  i 
John  V.  7. 

•John  X.  30.  I  ard  my  Father  are  one.  John  v.  17; 
xiv.  23;  xvii.  5,  10.  Actsv.  3  4.  i  Cor.  ii.  10,  11.  Phil, 
if    •,  6. 

*  Ephes.  ii.  18.  For  through  Him  [the  Son]  we  both 
have  an  access  by  one  Spirit  unto  the  Father.  2  Cor.  xiii. 
14.  The  grsce  of  our  Lord  Je  us  Christ,  and  the  love  of 
God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you 
all.     Rev.  i.  4  5. 

III. — The  Fall  of  Man, 

We  believe  the  Scrip*ures  teach  that  Man  was 
created  in  holiness,  under  the  law  of  his  Maker  ; 
but  by  voluntary  transgression  fell  from  that 
holy  and  happy  state  ;^  in  consequence  of  which 
all  mankind  are  now  tinners,^  not  by  constraint 
but  choice;'*  being  by  nature  utterly  void  of  that 
holiness  required    by  the  law  of  God,  positively 


8 


inclined  to  evil ;  and  therefore  under  just  con- 
demnation to  eternal  ruin/  without  defense  or 
excuse.* 


^  Gen.  i.  27.  God  created  man  in  his  own  image.  Gen. 
i.  31.  And  God  saw  everything  that  he  had  made,  and  be- 
hold, it  was  very  good.  Eccles.  vii.  29.  Acts.  xvii.  26. 
Gen.  ii.  16. 

^  Gen.  iii.  6-24.  And  when  the  woman  saw  tha^  the  tree 
was  good  for  food,  and  that  it  was  pleasant  to  the  eyes,  and 
a  tree  to  be  desired  to  make  one  wise  ;  sh  •  took  r  f  the  fruit 
thereof,  and  did  eat;  and  gave  also  unto  her  husband  with 
her,  and  he  did  eat.     Rom.  v.  12. 

^  Rom.  V.  19.  By  one  man's  disobedience  many  were 
made  sinners.  John  in.  6.  Ps.  li.  5.  Rom.  v.  15-19; 
viii.  7. 

*  Isa.  liii.  6.  We  have  turned,  every  one  to  his  own  way. 
Gen.  vi.  12.     Rom.  iii.  9-18. 

*  Eph.  ii.  3.  Among  whom  also  we  all  had  our  conversa- 
tion in  times  past  in  the  lusts  of  our  flesh,  fulfilling  the  de- 
sires of  the  flesh  and  of  the  mind  ;  and  were  by  nature  the 
children  of  wrath  even  as  ohers.  Rom.  i.  18.  Rom.  i.  32; 
ii.  i-id.     Gal.  iii.  10.     Matt.  x.\.  15. 

6  Ez.  xviii.  19,  20.  The  soul  that  sinneth  it  shall  die. 
The  son  shall  not  bear  the  iniquity  of  the  father,  neither 
shall  the  father  b^ar  t  e  in-quity  of  the  son.  Rom.  i.  20. 
So  that  they  are  without  excuse.  Rom.  iii.  19.  That  every 
mouth  may  be  stopped  and  all  the  world  may  become 
gxiilty  before  God.     Gal.  iii.  22. 


IV.— The  Way  of  Salvation. 

We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  the  salva- 
tion of  sinners  is  wholly  of  grace  ;  '  through  the 
me  iat  jrial  officer  of  the  Son  of  God  ;  -  who  by 
the  appoinTne..t  of  the  Father,  freely  took  upon 
him  our  na  ure,  yet  without  sin ;  ^  honored  the 
div.ne  law  by  h  s  personal  obedience,  "*  and  by  his 
de:ith  made  a  full  atonement  for  our  sins  ;  ^  that 
having  risen  from  the  dead,  he  is  now  enthroned 
in  heaven  ;  ^  and  uniting  in  his  wonderful  person 
the  tenderest  sympathies  with  divine  perfections, 
he  is  every  way  qual  fied  to  be  a  sui  able,  a  cora- 
passsionate  and  an  all-sufficient  Saviour.  ' 


*  Eph.  ii.  5.     By  grace  ye  are  saved.     Matt,   xviii.  11. 

1  John  iv.  10.     I  Cor.  iii.  5-7.     Acts  xv.  11. 

"  John  iii.  16.  For  God  so  loved  the  world  that  he  gave 
his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him 
should  not  perish,  but  have  everiasting  life.  John  i.  1-14. 
Heb.  iv.  14  ;  xii.  24. 

'  Phil.  ii.  6,  7.  Who  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought 
it  not  robbery  to  be  equal  with  God  ;  but  made  himself  of 
no  reputation,  and  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant, 
and  was   made  in   the  hkeness   of   men.     Heb.  ii.  9;  ii.  14. 

2  Cor.  V.  21. 

•  Isa.  xlii.  21.  The  Lord  is  well  pleased  for  his  righteous. 
ness'  sake  :  he  will  magnify  the  law  and  make  it  honorable. 
Phil.  ii.  8.     Gal.  iv.  4,  5.     Rom.  iii.  21. 


lo 


•  Isa.  liii.  4,  5.  He  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions, 
he  was  bruised  for  our  iniquities  ;  the  chastisement  of  our 
peace  was  upon  him  ;  and  with  his  stripes  we  are  healed. 
Matt.  XX.  28.  Rom.  iii.  21  ;  iv.  25-26.  i  John  iv.  10;  ii.  2. 
I  Cor.  XV.  1-3.     Heb.  ix.  13-15. 

•  I  Peter  iii.  22.  Who  is  gone  into  Heaven,  and  is  on  the 
right  hand  of  God,  angels  an  i  authorities  and  powers  being 
made  subject  unto  Him.  Heb.  ix.  24.  Heb.  i.  3;  viii.  i. 
Col.  iii.  1-4. 

'  Heb.  vii.  25.  Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  save  them 
to  the  uttermost  that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever 
liveth  to  make  intercession  for  them.  Col.  ii.  9.  For  in 
him  dwelleth  all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  bodily.  Heb. 
ii.  18.     Heb.  vii.  26.     Ps.  Ixxxix.  19.     Ps.  xlv. 


V. — Justification. 

We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  the  great 
Gospel  blessing  which  Christ  '  secures  to  such  as 
believe  in  Him  is  justification  ;  "^  that  justification 
includes  the  pardon  of  sin,  "  and  the  promise  of 
eternal  lite  on  principles  of  righteousness ;  ^  that 
it  is  bestowed,  not  in  consideration  of  any  works 
of  righteousness  which  we  have  done,  but  solely 
through  faith  in  the  Redeemer's  blood  ;  ^  by  virtue 
of  which  faith  his  periect  righteousness  is  freely 
imputed  to  us  of  God  ;  ^  that  it  brings  us  into  a 
state  of  most  blessed  peace  and  favor  with  God, 
and  secures  every  other  blessing  needful  for  time 
and  eternity. '' 

»  John  i.  16.     Of  his  fullness  have  all  we  received.     Eph. 


II 


*  Acts  xiii.  39.  By  him  all  that  believe  are  justified  from 
all  thi   gs.  Isa.  iii.  11,  12      Rom.  v.ii.  i. 

'  Rom.  V.  9.  Being  justified  by  his  blood,  we  shall  be 
saved  from  wra'h  through  him.  Zech.  xiii.  i.  Matt.  ix.  6. 
Acts  X.  43. 

*  Rom.  V.  17.  They  which  receive  the  abundance  of 
grace  and  of  the  gift  ot  righteousness,  shall  reign  in  life  by 
one,  Jesus  Christ.  Titus  iii.  5,  6.  i  Pet.  lii.  7.  i  John  ii. 
25.     Rom.  V.  21. 

*  Rom.  iv.  4,  5.  Now  to  him  that  worketh  is  the  reward 
not  reckoned  of  grace,  but  of  debt.  But  to  him  that  work- 
eth not,  but  bel  eveth  on  him  that  justifieth  ihe  ungodly 
his  faith  is  counted  for  righteousness.  Rom.  v.  21 ;  vi.  23. 
Phil.  iii.  7-9. 

«  Rom.  V.  19.  By  the  obedience  of  one  shall  many  be 
made  righteous.     Rom.  iii.  24-26  ;  iv.  23-25.     i  John  ii.  12. 

'  Rom.  V.  I,  2.     Being  justified  by  faith,  wp  have  peace 
with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  by  whom  also  we 
have  access  by  faith  into   this  g^ace  wherein  we  stand,  and 
rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God.     Rom.  v.  3.     Rom.  v 
II.     I  Cor.  i.  30,  31.     Mat.  vi.  33.     i  Tim.  iv.  8. 


VI. — The  Freeness  of  Salvation. 

We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  the  bless- 
ings of  salvation  are  made  free  to  all  by  the  Gos- 
pel :  ^  that  It  is  the  immediate  duty  of  ail  to  accept 
them  by  a  cordial,  penitent  and  obedient  faith:  -  and 
that  nothing  prevents  the  salvation  of  the  greatest 
sinner  on  earlh,  but  his  own  determined  depravity 
and  voluntary  rejection  of  the  Gospel  ;  ^  which  re- 
jection involves  hi*^  ^n  an  aggravated  condemna- 
tion.^ 


12 


»  Isa.  Iv.  I.  Ho,  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the 
waters.  Rev.  xxii.  17.  Whosoever  will  let  him  take  the 
water  of  life  freely.     Luke  xiv.  17. 

^  Acts  xvii.  30.  And  the  times  of  this  ignorance  God 
winked  at,  but  now  commandeth  all  men  everywhere  to  re- 
pent.    Rom.  XVI.  26.     Mark  i.  15.     Rom.  i.  15-17. 

3  John  V.  40.  Ye  will  not  come  to  me,  that  ye  might 
have  life.  Matt. "  xxiii.  37.  Rom.  ix.  32.  Prov.  i.  24. 
Acts  xiii.  46. 

*  John  iii.  19.  And  this  is  the  condemnation,  that  light  is 
con^e  into  the  world,  and  men  loved  darkness  rather  than 
light  because  their  deeds  were  evil.  Matt.  xi.  20.  Luke 
xix.  27.     2  Thess.  i.  8. 

vn. — Regeneration. 

We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  in  orde^ 
to  be  saved,  sinners  must  be  regenerated,  or  born 
again  ; '  that  regeneration  consists  in  giving  a  holy 
disposition  to  the  mind  -f^  thit  it  is  effected  in  a 
manner  above  our  comprehension  by  the  power  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  in  connection  with  divme  truth,' 
so  as  to  secure  our  voluntary  obedience  to  the 
Gospel  ;■*  and  that  its  proper  evidence  appears  in 
the  holy  fruits  of  repentance,  and  faith  and  new- 
ness of  life.5 


•  John  iii.  3.  Verily,  venly,  I  say  unto  thee,  except  a 
man  be  born  again,  he  c  innot  see  ih  •  kingdom  of  God. 
John  iii   6,  7.     i  Cor.  i.  14.     Rev.  viii.  7-9  ;   Rev.  xxi.  27. 

^2  (^or.  V.  17.  If  any  man  be  ia  Christ,  he  is  a  nevr 
crea  ure.  Ez.  xxxvi.  26.  Deut.  xxx.  6.  Rom.  ii.  28,  29, 
V.  5.     I  John,  iv.  7. 


13 

*  John  iii.  8.  The  wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth,  and 
thou  hearest  the  sound  thereof,  but  canst  not  te.l  whence 
it  cometh,  and  whither  it  goeth ;  so  is  every  one  that  is 
born  of  the  S  irit.  John  i.  13.  James  i.  16-18.  i  Cor.  i. 
30.     Phil.  ii.  13. 

*  I  Pel.  i.  22-25.  Ye  have  purified  your  souls  in  obey- 
ing the  truth  through  the  Spirit,  i  John  v.  i  Eph.  iv. 
20-24  ;  Col.  iii   9-1 1. 

*  Eph.  V.  9.  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  in  all  goodness  an  i 
righteousness,  and  truth.  Rom.  viii.  9.  Gal.  v.  16-23. 
Eph.  iii,  14-21.     Matt.  iii.  8-10;  vii.  20.     i  John  v.  4,  18. 


VIII. — Repentance  and  Faith. 

We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  repent- 
ance and  faith  are  sacred  duties,  and  also  insep- 
arable graces,  wrought  in  our  souls  by  the  regen- 
erating Spirit  of  God  ;  ^  whereby  being  deeply 
convinced  of  our  guilt,  danger  and  helplessness, 
and  of  the  way  of  salvation  by  Christ, 2  we  turn  to 
God  with  unleigned  contri  ion,  confession,  and 
supplication  for  mercy  ;  ^  at  the  same  time  heartily 
receiving  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  as  our  prophet, 
priest,  and  king,  and  relying  on  him  alone  as  the 
only  and  all-sufRcient  Saviour.-* 


1  Mark  i.  15.  Repent  ye,  and  believe  the  Gospel.  Acts 
xi.  18.  Then  hath  God  also  to  the  Gentiles  granted  re- 
pentance unto  life.  Ephes.  ii.  8.  By  grace  ye  are  saved, 
through  faith  ;  and  that  not  of  yourselves  ;  it  is  the  gift 
of  God.     I  John  v.  i. 


14 


'  John  xvi.  8.  He  will  reprove  the  world  of  sin,  and  of 
righteous  ess,  and  of  judgment.  Acts  it.  38.  Th  n 
Peter  said  un!o  them,  RcDem,  and  be  baptized  everv  (  ne 
of  you  in  the  name  cf  Je.us  Christ  for  the  remission  of 
sins.    Acts  xvi.  30,  31. 

8  Luke  xviii.  13.  And  the  publican  smote  uoon  his 
beast,  sayiLg,  God  be  merciful  10  me  a  sinner.  Luke  xv. 
18-21.  James  iv.  7-10.  2  Cor.  vii.  11.  Rome  x.  12,  13 
Ps.  )i. 

*  Rom.  X.  9-11.  If  thou  shalt  confess  with  thy  mouth 
the  L  .rd  Jesus,  and  shalt  b  lieve  in  thy  heart  that  God 
hath  rais'  d  him  from  the  dead,  thou  shalt  be  saved.  Acts 
iii.  22,  23.  Heb.  iv.  14.  Ps.  ii.  6.  Heb.  i.  8;  viii.  25.  2 
Tim.  i.  12. 


IX.— God's  Purpose  of  Grace. 

We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  elet- 
tion  is  the  eternal  purpose  of  God,  according  to 
which  he  graciously  regenerates,  sanctifies  and 
saves  sinners;'  that  being  perfectly  consistent 
with  the  free  agency  of  man,  it  comprehends  all 
the  means  in  connection  with  the  end  ;  '^  that  it  is  a 
most  glorious  display  of  God's  sovereign  goodness, 
being  infinitely  free,  wise,  holy  and  unchange- 
able ;  ^  that  it  utterly  excludes  boasting,  and  pro- 
motes humility,  love,  prayer,  praise,  trust  in  God, 
and  active  imitation  of  his  free  mercy  ;  *  that  it  en- 
courages the  use  of  means  in  the  highest  degrre; 
that  it  may  be  ascertained  by  i;s  effects  in  all  who 
truly  believe  the  Gospe)  ;^  that  it  is  the  foundation 


15 


of  Christian  assurance;''  and  that  to  ascertain  it 
with  regard  to  ourselves  demands  and  deserves 
the  utmost  diligence.^ 


'  2  Tim.  i.  8,  9.  But  be  thou  partaker  of  the  afflictions 
of  the  Gospel,  according  to  the  powtrof  God;  who  hath 
saved  us  and  call  d  us  with  a  holy  calli  ig,  not  according 
to  cur  works,  but  according  (o  his  own  purpose  and  grace 
\\.hich  was  given  us  in  Cbrist  Jesus  before  the  world  began. 
Eph.  i.  3-14.  I  Pet.  i.  i,  2.  Rom.  xi.  5,  6.  John  xv.  16, 
I  John  iv.  19.     Hos.  xii.  9. 

'  2  Thess.  ii.  13,  14.  But  we  are  bound  to  give  thanks 
always  to  God  for  you,  brethren  beloved  of  the  Lord,  be- 
cause God  ha'h  from  the  beginning  chosen  you  to  salva- 
tion, through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit  and  belief  of  the 
truth  ;  whereunto  he  called  you  by  our  Gospel,  to  the  ob- 
taining of  the  glory  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Acts  xiii. 
48.     John  X.  16.     Matt.  xx.  16.     Acts  xv.  14. 

^  Ex.  XXX  ii.  18,  19.  And  he  said,  I  will  cause  all  my 
goodness  to  pass  before  thee,  and  I  will  proclaim  the  name 
of  the  Lo  d  b  f  ;re  th^e,  and  will  be  gracious  to  whom  I 
will  be  gracious,  and  will  show  mercy  on  whom  I  wi':l  show 
mercy.  Matt.  xx.  15.  Eph.  i.  11.  Rom.  ix.  23,  24.  Jer. 
xxxi.  3.  Rom.  XI.  28,  29.  Jam.  i.  17,  18.  2  Tim.  i.  9. 
Rum.  xi.  32-36. 

■•  I  Cor.  iv.  7.  For  who  maketh  thee  to  differ  from  an- 
o  her  ?  and  what  h -st  thou  that  thou  didst  rot  r  ceive  ? 
Now  if  thou  didst  receive  it,  why  dost  thou  glory  as  if  thou 
hadst  not  received  it  ?  i  Cor.  i.  26-31.  Rom.  iii.  27;  iv. 
16.     Col   iii.  12.     I  Cor.  iii.  5-7  ;  xv.  10. 

^  2  Tim.  ii.  10.  Therefore  I  endure  all  things  for  the 
elects'  s  ke,  that  they  also  may  obtain  the  salvation  which 
is  in  Chr.st  Jesus  with  e:ernal  glory,  i  Cor.  ix.  22.  Rcrni. 
viii.  28-30.     John  vi.  37-40.     2  Pet.  i.  10. 


i6 


«  I  Thess.  4,  lo.  Knowing,  brethren  beloved,  your  elec- 
tion of  God. 

'  Rom.  viii.  28-30.  Moreover,  whom  he  did  predesti- 
nate, them  he  also  called,  and  whom  he  called  them  he 
also  justified,  and  whom  he  justified  them  he  also  glorified. 
Isa.  xlii.  16,     Rom.  xi.  29. 

®2  Pet.  i.  10,  II.  Wherefore  the  rather,  brethren,  ^ive 
diligence  to  make  your  calling  and  election  sure.  Phil, 
iii.  12.     Heb.  vi.  11. 


X.  Santification. 

We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  Sanctifica- 
tion  is  the  process  by  which,  according  to  the  will 
of  God,  we  are  made  partakers  of  his  holiness  ;  * 
that  it  is  a  progressive  work  ;  '■^  that  it  is  begun  in 
regeneration  ;  ^  that  it  is  carried  on  in  the  hearts  ot 
believers  by  the  presence  and  po^ver  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  the  Sealer  and  Comforter,  in  the  continual 
use  of  the  appointed  means — especially  the  word 
of  God — self-examination,  self-denial,  watchful- 
ness, and  prayer ;  ■*  and  in  the  practice  of  all  godly 
exercises  and  duties.^ 


*  Thess.  iv.  3.  For  this  is  the  will  of  God,  even  your 
santification.  i.  Thess.  v.  23.  And  the  very  God  of  peace 
sanctify  you  wholly.     2  Cor.  vii.  i ;  xiii.  9.     Ephes.  i.  4. 

2  Prov.  iv.  18.  The  path  of  the  just  is  as  the  shining  light, 
which  shineth  more  and  more,  imto  the  perfect  day.  2  Cor. 
iii.  18.     Heb.  vi.  i.     2  Peter  i.  5-8.     Phil.  12-16. 

2  I  John  ii.  29.  If  ye  know  that  He  [God],  is  righteous,  ye 
know  that  every  one  that  dot  th  righteousness  is  born  of  Him. 
Rom.  viii.  5.     John  iii.  6.     Phil.  i.  9-n.     Ephes.  1.  13,  14, 


17 


*  Phil.  ii.  12,  13.  Work  out  your  own  salvation  with  fear 
and  trembling,  for  it  is  Gcd  which  worketh  in  you  both  to 
will  and  to  do,  of  his  good  pleasure.  Ephes.  iv.  11,  12.  i 
Peter  ii.  2.  2  Peter  iii.  18.  2  Cor.  xiii.  5.  Luke  xi.  35  ; 
ix.  23.     Matt.  xxvi.  41.     Ephes.  vi.  18  ;  iv.  30. 

»  I  Tim.  4,  7.     Exercise  thyself  unto  godliness. 

XI. — Perseverance  of   Saints. 

We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  such  only 
are  real  believers  as  endure  unto  the  end  1  '  that 
their  persevering  attachment  to  Christ  is  the  ^rand 
mark  which  distinguishes  them  from  superficial 
professors  ;  -  that  a  special  Providence  watches 
over  iheir  welfare  ;  ^  and  they  are  kept  by  the 
power  of  God  through  faith  unto  salvation.* 


^  John  viii.  31.  Then  said  Jesus,  If  ye  continue  in  my 
vrord,  then  are  ye  my  disciples  indeed,  i  John  ii.  27,  28; 
iii.  9  ;  V.  18. 

John  ii.  19.  They  went  out  Irom  us,  but  they  were  not 
of  us  ;  lor  if  they  had  been  of  us,  they  would  no  doubt  have 
continued  with  us  ;  but  they  went  out  that  it  might  be  made 
manifest  that  they  v\  ere  net  all  ol  us.  John  xiii.  18.  Matt, 
xiii.  20,  21.     John  vi.  66-69. 

'  Rom.  viii.  28.  And  we  know  all  things  work  together 
for  good  unto  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are  the  called 
according  to  his  purpose.  Matt.  vi.  30-33.  Jer.  xxxii.  40. 
Ps.  xci.  II,  12  ;  cxxi.  3. 

*  Phil.  i.  6.  He  who  hath  begun  a  good  work  in  you  will 
perform  it  until  the  day  of  Jesus  Christ.  Phil.  ii.  12,  13. 
Jude  24.  25.  Heb.  i.  14;  xiii.  5.  2  Kings  vi,  16.  1 
John  iv.  4. 


i8 


XII. — The  Law  and  Gospel. 

We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  the  Law 
of  God  is  the  eternal  and  unchangeable  rule  of  his 
moral  government ;  '  that  it  is  holy,  just,  and 
good  ;  "^  and  that  tne  inability  which  the  Scriptures 
ascribe  to  fallen  men  to  fulfill  its  precepts  arises 
entire  y  from  their  sinful  nature  ;  ^  to  deliver  them 
from  which,  and  to  lestore  them  through  a  Media- 
tcr  to  unfeigned  obedierce  to  the  hcly  Law,  is  one 
great  end  of  the  Gospel,  and  of  the  Means  of  Grace 
connected  with  the  establishment  of  the  visible 
church."* 


I  Rom.  iii.  31.  Do  we  m''ke  void  the  law  through  faith. 
God  forbid.  Yea,  we  establish  the  law.  Matt.  v.  17.  Luke, 
xvi.  17.     Rom.  iii.  20;  iv.  15. 

'  Rom.  vii.  12.  T  he  Law  is  holy,  and  the  commandment 
holy,  and  just,  and  good.  Rom.  vii.  7, 14.  22.  Gal.  iii.  21. 
Psalm  c.xix. 

3  Rom.  viii.  7,  8.  The  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against 
God  ;  for  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed 
can  be.  S  >  then  they  that  are  in  the  flesh  cannot  please 
God.     Josh.  xxiv.  19.     Jer.  x  ii.  23.     John  vi.  44 ;  v.  44. 

*  Rom.  viii.  2,  4.  For  the  law  of  the  Spirit  of  Life  in 
Christ  Jesus  hath  made  m  t  free  from  the  law  of  .«in  and 
death.  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak 
through  the  fiesh,  God  sending  his  own  Son  in  the  likeness 
of  sinful  flesh,  and  for  sin,  c  ndemned  sin  in  the  flesh  ;  that 
the  righteousnes ;  of  the  law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us,  who 
walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit.  Rom.  x.  4.  1 
Tim.  i.  5.  Heb.  viii  10.  Jude,  20,  21.  Heb.  xii.  14. 
Matt.  xvi.  17,  18.     I  Cor.  xii.  28. 


^9 

XIII. — A  Gospel  Church. 

We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  a  visible 
Church  of  Christ  is  a  congregation  of  baptized 
believers,'  associated  by  covenant  in  the  faith 
and  fellowship  of  the  Gospel ;  *  observing  the  or- 
dinances of  Christ  ;  ^  governed  by  his  laws  ;  *  and 
exercising  the  gifts,  rights,  and  privileges  in- 
Vested  in  them  by  His  word  ;  *  that  its  only  scrip- 
tural oflficers  are  Bishops  or  Pastors,  and  Dea- 
cons,® whose  qual'fications,  claims,  and  duties  are 
drfined  in  tie  Epistles  to  Timothy  and  Titus. 


>  Acts  ii.  41,  42.  Then  they  that  gladly  received  his  word 
were  baptized ;  and  the  same  day  there  were  added  to  them 
about  three  thousand  souls.  Acts  v.  11 ;  viii.  i  ;  xi.  31 ;  i 
Cor.  iv.  17 ;  i  Tim.  iii.  5. 

^  2  Cor.  viii.  5.  They  fiist  gave  their  own  selves  to  the 
Lord,  and  unto  us  by  the  will  of  God.  Acts  ii.  47.  i  Cor. 
v.  II,  18. 

8  I  Cor.  .\i.  2.  Now  I  praise  you,  brethren,  that  ye  re- 
member me  in  all  things,  and  keep  the  ordinances  as  I 
delivered  them  to  you.  2  Thess.  iii.  7.  Rom.  xvi.  17-20. 
I  Cor.  xi.  23.     Matt,  xviii.  15-20.     i  Cor.  v.  5. 

*  Matt,  xxviii.  20.  Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things 
whatsoever  I  have  commanded  you.  John  xi/.  15  ;  xv.  i 
John  iv.  21.  I  Thes.  iv.  2.     2  John  6. 

*  Ephes.  iv.  7.  Unto  every  one  of  us  is  given  grace  ac- 
cording to  the  measure  of  the  gift  of  Christ,  i  Cor.  xiv.  12. 
Seek  that  ye  may  excel  to  the  edifying  of  the  church. 

Phil.   i.  I.      With  the   Bis  ops  and    Deacons.     Act/ 
xiv.  23  ;  XV.  22.     I  Tim.  iii.     Titus  i. 


20 


XIV. — Christian  Baptism. 

We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  Christian 
Baptism  is  the  immersion  in  water  of  a  believer  in 
Christ,  '  into  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  Son,  and 
Holy  Ghost  ;  '^  to  show  forth  in  a  solemn  and  beau- 
tiful emblem,  our  faith  in  the  crucified,  buried,  and 
risen  Saviour,  with  its  effect,  in  our  death  to  sin 
and  resurrection  to  a  new  life  ;  ^  that  it  is  prere- 
quisite to  the  privileges  of  a  church  relation,  and 
to  the  Lord's  Supper.^ 


1  Acts  viii.  36-39.  And  the  eunuch  said,  See,  here  is 
water  ;  what  doth  hinder  me  to  be  baptized  ?  And  Philip 
said,  If  diou  behevest  with  all  thy  heart  thou  mayes'.  .  .  . 
And  they  went  down  into  the  water,  both  Philip  and  th{ 
eunuch,  and  ne  baptized  him.  Matt.  iii.  5,  6.  John  iii.  22, 
^3  ;  iv,  I,  2.  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Mark  xvi.  16.  Acts  ii.  38  ; 
viii.   12;    xvi.  32-34;  xviii.  8. 

2  Matt,  xviii.  19.  Baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the 
Father  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Acts  x.  47, 
48.     Gal.  iii.  27,  28. 

3  Rom.  VI.  4.  Therefore  we  are  buried  with  him  by 
baptism  into  death  ;  that  like  as  Christ  was  raised  from  the 
dead  by  the  glory  of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also,  should 
walk  in  newness  of  life.  Col.  ii.  12.  i  Peter  iii.  20,  21. 
Acts  xxii.  16. 

*  Acts,  ii.  41,  42.  Then  they  that  gladly  received  his 
word  were  baptized,  and  there  were  added  to  them,  the 
same  day,  about  three  thousand  souls.  And  they  continued 
steadfastly  in  the  apostles'  doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in 
breaking  of  bread,  and  in  prayers.     Matt,  xxviii.  19,  ao. 


21 


XV. — The  Lord's  Supper, 

We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  the  Lord's 
Supper  is  a  provision  of  bread  and  wine,  as 
symbol?  of  Christ's  body  and  blood,  partaken 
of  by  the  members  of  the  Church  ;'  in  commemo- 
ration of  the  suffering  and  death  of  their  Lord  ;* 
showing  their  faith  and  participation  in  the  merits 
of  his  sacrifice,  and  their  hope  of  eternal  life 
'hrough  his  resurrection  from,  the  dead  ;  its  observ- 
ance to  be  preceded  by  faithml  self-examination. " 


*  Luke  xxii.  19,  20.  And  he  took  bread,  and  gave  thanks, 
and  brake,  and  gave  unto  them,  saying  :  This  is  my  body 
which  is  given  for  you ;  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me. 
Likewiiie  also  the  cup  after  supper,  saying,  this  cup  is  the 
New  Tfistament  in  my  blood,  which  is  shed  for  you.  Mark 
xiv.  2(V26.  Matt.  xxvi.  27-30.  i  Cor.  xi.  27-30.  i  Cor. 
X.  16. 

^  I.  Cor.  xi.  26.  For,  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and 
drink  this  cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord's  death  until  he  come. 
Matt,  xxviii.  20. 

^  I  Cor.  xi.  28.  But  let  a  man  examine  himself,  and  so 
let  him  eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup.  Acts  ii.  42. 
46;  XX.  7,  II. 


XVL — The  Christian  Sabbaih. 

We  believe  ttie  Scriptures  teach  that  the  first 
,day  of  the  week  is  the  Lord's  Day,  or  Christian 
Sabbath  ; '  and  is  to  be  kept  sacred  to  religious 
purposes,^  by  abstaining  from    all    secuhr    labor 


22 


except  works  of  mercy  and  necessi  y,''  by  the  de- 
vout observance  of  all  the  means  of  grace,  both 
private  •*  and  public  ;  ^  and  by  preparation  for  that 
rest  that  renaineth  for  the  people  of  God.* 


1  Acts  XX.  7.  On  the  first  day  of  the  week,  when  the 
di'-'ciples  came  together  to  break  brrad,  Paul  preached  to 
them.  Gen.  ii.  3.  Col.  ii.  16,  17.  Mark  ii.  27.  John  xx. 
19.     I  Cor.  xvi.  1,2. 

Ex.  XX.  8.  Remember  the  Sabbath  Day,  to  keep  it 
holy.  Rev.  i.  10.  I  was  in  the  Spirit  on  the  Lord's  Day. 
Ps.  cxviii.  24. 

»  Isa.  Ivii'.  13,  14.  If  thou  turn  away  ihy  foot  from  the 
Sabbath,  from  dong  thy  plea  ure  on  my  holy  day;  and 
call  the  Sabbath  a  deligh\  the  holy  of  the  Lord  honor- 
able ;  and  shalt  honor  him,  not  doing  thine  own  ways,  nor 
finding  thine  own  pleasure,  nor  speaking  thine  owa  wo-ds  ; 
then  shall  thou  delight  thyself  in  the  Lord,  and  I  will  cause 
thee  to  ride  upon  the  high  places  of  the  earth,  and  fef  d 
thee  with  the  heritage  of  Jacob.     Isa.  Ivi.  2-8. 

*  Ps.  cxviii.  15.  The  voice  of  r  joicing  and  salvation  is 
in  the  tabernacles  of  the  righteous. 

5  Heb.  X.  24,  25.  Not  forsaking  the  assembling  of  your- 
selves together,  as  the  manner  of  some  is.  Acts  xiii.  44. 
The  next  Sibbath  Day  carre  almost  the  whole  city  to- 
gether to  hear  the  word  cf  God.  Lev.  xix.  30.  Ex.  xlvi. 
3.     Luke  IV.  16.     Ac!s  xvii.  2,  3.     Ps.  xxvi.  8  ;  Ixxxvii.  3. 

•  Heb.  iv.  3-11.  Let  us  labor  therefore  to  enter  int« 
that  rest. 


23 

XVII. — Civil  Government. 

We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  civil  gov- 
ernment is  of  divine  appointment,  for  the  interest 
and  good  order  of  human  society  ;  *  and  that  mag- 
istrates are  to  be  prayed  for,  conscientiously  hon- 
ored and  obeyed  ;'  except  only  in  things  opposed 
to  the  will  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,^  who  is  the 
only  Lord  of  the  conscience,  and  the  Prince  of  the 
kings  of  the  earth."* 


»  Rom.  xiii,  1-7.  The  powers  that  be  are  ordained  of 
Gcd.  For  rulers  are  not  a  terror  to  good  work-,  but  to  the 
evil.     Djut.  XVI.  18.     2  Sam.  xxiii.  3.     Ex.  xviii.  23.     Jer. 

XXX.    21. 

«  Malt.  xxii.  21.  Render  therefore  unto  Cassar  the 
things  that  are  Caesar's,  and  unto  God  the  things  that  are 
God's.     Titus  iii.  i.     i  Pet.  ii.  13.     i  T.m.  ii.  1-8. 

•  Acts  V.  29.  Wc  ought  to  obey  God  rather  than  m  ^n — 
Matt.  x.  28.  Fear  not  them  which  kill  the  body,  but  are 
not  able  to  kill  the  soul.  Dan.  iii.  15-18  ;  vi.  7,  10.  Acts 
iv.  18-20. 

*  Matt,  xxiii.  10.  Ye  have  one  Mister,  even  Christ. 
Rom.  xiv.  4.  Who  art  thou  that  judgest  another  man's 
servant?  Rev,  xix.  14.  And  he  hath  on  his  vesture  and 
on  his  thigh  a  name  written.  King  of  Kings  and  Lord 
OF  Lords.     Ps.  Ixxii.  11.     Ps.  ii.     Rom.  xiv.  9-13. 

XVIII.— Righteous  and  Wicked. 

We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  there  is  a 
radical  and  essential  d  fference  between  the  right- 


24 


eous  and  the  wicked  ; '  that  such  only  as  through 
faith  are  justified  in  the  name  of  th^  Lord  Jesus, 
and  sanctified  by  the  Spirit  of  our  God,  are  truly 
righteous  in  his  esteem  ;  ^  while  all  such  as  con- 
tinue in  impenitence  and  unbelief  are  in  his  sight 
wicked  and  under  the  curse  ;  ^  and  this  distinction 
holds  among  men  both  in  and  after  death. ^ 


*  Mai.  iii.  i8.  Ye  shall  discern  between  the  righteous 
and  the  wicked ;  between  him  that  serveth  God  and  him 
that  servelh  him  not.  Prov.  xii.  26.  Isa.  v.  20.  Gen. 
xviii.  23.     Jer.  xv.  19.     Acts  x.  34,  35.     Rom.  vi.  16. 

Rom.  i.  17.  The  just  shall  live  by  faith.  Rom.  vii.  6. 
We  are  delivered  from  the  law,  that  being  dead  wherein 
we  were  held,  that  we  should  serve  in  newness  of  spirit, 
and  not  in  the  oldness  of  the  letter,  i  John  ii.  29.  If  ye 
know  that  he  is  righteous,  ye  know  that  evey  one  that 
doeth  righteou:ness  is  born  of  him.  i  John  iii.  7.  Rom. 
vi.  18,  22.     I  Cor.  xi.  32.     Prov.  xi.  31.     i  Pet.  iv.  17,  18. 

3  I  John  V.  19.  And  we  know  that  we  are  of  God,  and 
the  whole  world  lieth  in  wickedness.  Gal.  iii.  10.  As 
many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law,  are  under  the  curse. 
John  iii.  36.     Isa.  Ivii.  21.     Ps.  x.  4.     Isa.  Iv.  6,  7. 

4  Prov.  xiv.  32.  The  wicked  is  driven  away  in  his  wick- 
edness, but  the  righteous  hath  hope  in  his  death.  Luke 
xvi.  25.  Thou  in  thy  lifetime  rcceivedst  thy  good  things, 
and  likewise  Lazarus  ev.l  things  ;  but  now  he  is  comforted, 
and  thou  art  to'mented.  John  viii.  21-24.  Prov.  x.  24. 
Luke  xii.  4,  5  ;  xi.  23-26.  John  xii,  25,  26.  Eccl.  iii.  17. 
Matt.  vii.  13,  14. 


25 


XIX.— The  World  to  Come. 
We  believe  the  Scriptures  teach  that  the  end 
of  the  world  is  approaching  ;  '  that  at  the  Last 
Day,  Chr.st  wJl  descend  from  heaven,*  and  raise 
the  dead  from  the  grave  for  final  retribution  ;  ^  that 
a  solemn  separation  will  then  take  place  ;"*i hat 
the  wicked  will  be  adjudged  to  endless  punish- 
ment, and  the  righteous  to  endless  joy  ;5  and  that 
this  judgment  will  fix  forever  the  final  state  of 
men  in  heaven  or  hell,  on  principles  of  righteous- 
ness.   

1  Pet.  iv.  7.  But  the  end  of  a41  things  is  at  hand  ;  be  ye 
therefore  sober,  and  watch  unto  prayer,  i  Cor.  vii.  29-31. 
Heb.  i.  10-12.  Matt.  xxiv.  35.  i  John  ii.  17.  Matt  xxviii. 
2o  ;  xii.  39.  40.     2  Pel.  iii.  3-13. 

^  Ac  si.  II.  This  same  Jesus  which  is  taken  up  fronn 
you  into  heaven,  shall  so  come  in  Uke  manner  as  ye  have 
seen  him  yo  into  heaven.  Rev.  i.  7.  Heb.  ix.  28.  Acts 
iii.  21.     I  Thes:.  iv.  13-18;    v.  i-ii. 

3  Acts  xxiv.  15.  Thee  shall  be  a  resurrection  of  the 
dead,  both  of  the  just  and  unjjst.  i  Cor.  xv.  12-59.  Luke 
xiv.  14.  Dan.  xii.  2.  John  v.  28,  29  ;  vi.  40  ;  xi.  25,  26. 
2  Tim.  i.  10.     Acts  x.  42. 

*  Matt.  xiii.  49.  The  angels  shall  come  forth,  and  sevev 
the  wicked  from  among  the  iust.  Matt.  xiii.  37-43  ;  xxiv, 
30,  31 ;   XXV.  31-33. 

5  Matt.  XXV.  35-41.  And  these  shair  go  away  into  ever- 
lasting punishment,  but  the  righteous  into  life  eternal. 
Rev.  xxii.  11.  He  that  is  unjust  let  him  be  unjust  siill; 
and  he  which  is  filthy  let  him  be  filthy  still  ;  and  he  that 
is  righteous  let  him  he  righteous  still ;  and  he  that  is  holy 
let  him   be  holy  still.       i   Cor.  vi.  9,  10.     Mark  ix.  43-48. 


26 


2  Pet.  ii.  9.     Jude  7.     Phi.  iii.  19.     Rom.  vi.  22.     2  Cor,  v, 
10,  II.     John  iv.  36.  2  Cor.  iv.  18. 

«  Rom.  iii.  5,  6.  Is  God  unrighteous,  who  taketh  ven- 
geance? (I  speak  as  a  man.)  God  forbid  ;  for  how  then 
shall  God  judge  the  w  rid  ?  2  Th.'ss.  i.  6-12.  Seeing  it 
is  a  righteous  thing  with  God  to  recompense  tribulation  to 
them  who  trouble  you,  and  to  you  who  are  troubled,  rest 
with  us — when  he  shall  come  to  be  glorified  in  his  s.ints, 
and  to  be  admired  in  all  '.hem  that  believe.  Heb.  vi.  i,  2. 
I  Cor.  iv.  5.  Acts  xvii.  31.  Rom.  ii.  2-16.  Rev.  xx.  11, 
12.     I  John  ii.  28  ;  iv.  17. 

Seeing  then  that  all  these  things  shall  be 
dissolved,  what  manner  of  persons  ought  ye  to 
be  in  all  holy  conversation  and  godliness,  look- 
ing for  and  hasting  unto  the  coming  of  the  dai 
OF  God  ?    2  Peter  iii.  11,  12. 


Covenant. 

Having  been,  as  we  trust,  brought  by  divine 
grace  to  embrace  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  to 
give  ourselves  wholly  to  him,  we  do  now  solemnly 
and  joyfully  covenant  with  each  other,  TO  walk 
TOGETHER   IN    HIM,  WITH    BROTHERLY  LOVE,  tO 

h'S  glory,  as  our  common  Lord.     We  do,  there- 
fore, in  his  strength,  engage — 

That  we  will  exercise  a  Christian  care  and 
watchfulness  over  each  other,  and  faithfully  warn, 
exhort,  and  admonsh  each  other  as  occasion  may 
require : 


27 


That  we  w^ll  not  forsake  the  assembling  of  our- 
selves together,  but  will  uphold  the  public  wor- 
ship of  God,  and  the  ordinances  of  his  house  : 

Thiit  we  will  not  emit  closet  and  family  religion 
at  home,  nor  neghct  the  great  duty  of  rel.giously 
training  our  children,  and  those  under  our  care, 
fcr  the  service  of  Christ,  and  the  enjoyment  of 
heaven  : 

That,  as  we  are  the  light  of  the  world,  and  salt 
of  the  earth,  we  will  seek  divine  aid,  to  enable  us 
to  deny  ungodliness,  and  every  wcrlcly  lust,  and 
to  walk  circumspectly  in  the  world,  that  we  may 
win  the  souls  of  men  : 

That  we  will  cheerfully  contribute  of  our  prop- 
er'y,  according  as  God  has  prospered  us,  for  the 
maintair.ance  of  a  faithful  and  evangelical  minis- 
try amcng  us,  fcr  the  support  of  the  poor,  and  to 
spread  the  Gospel  over  the  earth  : 

That  we  will  m  ail  conditions,  even  till  death, 
strive  to  live  to  the  glory  of  him  who  hath  called 
us  out  of  darkness  into  his  marvellous  light. 

"  And  may  the  God  of  peace,  who  brought 
qgain  from  the  dead  our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great 
Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through  the  blood  of  the 
everlasting  covenant,  mske  us  perfect  in  every 
good  work,  to  do  his  will,  workmg  in  us  that 
which  is  weil  p  easing  in  his  sight  through  Jesus 
Christ ;  to  whom  be  glory,  forever  and  ever. 
Amen." 


^s 


A  CHRISTIAN  CHURCH. 


A  Christian  Church  is  a  coitgregation  of  baptized 
beliei'ers  in  Christ  united  in  covenant,  worship- 
ping together,  associated  in  the  faith  and  fellow- 
ship of  the  gospel,  practising  its  precepts,  observ- 
ing its  ordinances,  recognizing  and  receiving 
Christ  as  their  supreme  lawgiver  and  ruler,  and 
taking  His  Word  as  their  exclusive  and  sufficient 
rule  of  faith  and  practice,  in  all  matters  of  re- 
ligion. 

That  a  Christian  Church  is  a  congregation  of 
believers,  and  not  a  society  or  number  of  congre- 
gations or  churches  united  under  some  more  gen- 
eral head  or  government,  is  evident  from  the  men- 
tion made  of  the  apostolic  churches  in  the  New 
Testament.  By  such  mention  we  learn  that 
churches  were  single,  separa  e,  visible  congrega- 
tions of  regenerated  persons,  organized  with  iheir 
laws,  officers,  ordinances,  discipline  and  duties, 
doing  the  work  and  maintaining  the  worship  of 
God. 

A  Church  is  "the  body"  of  Christ,  in  its  rela- 
tion ID  him  as  "the  head."  It  is  "a  spiritual 
temple,"  as  being  composed  of  spiritual  or  regen- 
erate members,  thus  distinguished  from  all  world- 
ly organizations,  It  is  '•  the  pillar  and  ground  of 
the  truth,"  in  its  maintenance  and  support  of  the 


29 

divine  law,  and  its  presentation,  proclamation 
and  propagation  of  the  great  and  loving  truths 
of  the  gospel. 

Churches  are  divinely  instituted  to  be  the  light 
of  the  world  and  the  salt  of  the  earth  ;  they  are 
ordained  for  the  glory  of  God.  in  the  proclamation 
oi  his  gospel,  and  the  establishment  of  his  kingdom 
in  the  world.  They  exist  for  the  edification  of  the 
saints  and  for  the  conversion  of  sinners,  not  for 
their  own  gratification  or  aggrandizement. 

They  should,  therefore,  be  constantly  striving  to 
realize  the  great  end  of  their  existence,  and  fu -fill 
the  miss. on  of  their  high  calling,  in  earnest  and 
devoted  Christian  work  of  every  kind. 

That  church  which  is  the  most  devoted  and 
self-sacrficing  for  Christ,  will  certainly  be  the  most 
successlul  and  prosperous  for  itself. 

Since  a  church  is  what  its  individual  members 
are,  in  their  religious  l.fe  and  influence,  therefore 
each  member  should  strive  to  become  what  he  de- 
sires the  church  to  be. 


Note  i. — A  church  is  not  to  make  laws,  but 
only  to  administer  and  obey  those  which  Christ 
has  given  in  the  New  Testament.  He  is  the  only 
\aw-maker  in  Zion. 


30 

Note  2. — But  in  matters  merely  optional  and 
discretionary,  not  involving  fundamental  principles 
in  doctrine  or  order,  ♦he  church  is  to  exercise  its 
1  berty  in  judgment  and  direction,  so  long  as  it 
does  not  contravene  Scriptural  teaching,  or  infiinge 
the  rights  of  any. 

Note  3. — The  church  is  bound  and  under  law 
to  Christ ;  but,  otherwise,  it  is  independent  of,  and 
free  from,  the  control  and  authority  of  all  persons 
whatever,  o  her  than  its  own  members. 

Note  4. — The  judgment  and  authority  of  the 
church  is  expressed  in  the  vote  of  a  majority  of  its 
members,  after  careful  consideration.  But  the 
nearer  that  majorty  approaches  to  unanamiiy,  the 
more  satisfactory  and  emphatic  are  its  author- 
itative decisions. 

Note  5  . — Committees  for  conference  or  refer- 
ence may  be  selected,  or  councils  called  for  advice 
n  cases  of  difficulty.  But  they  are  advisory  only, 
and  in  no  instances  authoritative.  There  is  no 
higher  and  no  other  court  of  appeal  in  ecclesiastical 
affairs  than  the  individual  church. 


31 

ORDINANCES 


Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper  are  the  only 
Scriptural  ordinances  of  a  Chiisiian  church. 

BAPTISM. 

1.  Baptism  is  the  immersion,  or  dipping,  of  a 
candidate  in  water,  on  a  public  profession  of  his 
faith  in  Christ,  and  on  evidence  of  rgeneration. 
And  11-13  bcptism  is  to  be  performed  by  a  suitable 
adminstrator,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy  Spirit. 

No  person  can  properly  be  received  to  member- 
ship in  the  church  unless  having  thus  been  bap- 
tized ;  and,  as  baptism  must  precede  an  actual 
church  membersnip,  so  it  must  precede  all  the 
privileges  of  church  membersh  p,  including  that  of 
the  Lord's  Supper. 

THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

2.  The  Lord's  Supfit  r  is  a  provision  of  bread  and 
wine,  partaken  of  by  the  members  of  the  church  ; 
in  which  service  they  commemorate  the  sufferings 
and  death  of  Christ  for  them,  and  profess  their 
faith  in  him. 


32 

Note  i. — Both  ordinances  are  ordinarily  and 
properly  administered  by  ordained  and  accredited 
ministers ;  but  both  would  doubtless  be  equally 
valid  if  admmistered  by  private  members,  did 
occasion  require  and  the  church  so  direct. 

Note  2. — While  the  privileges  of  the  Lord's 
Supper  can  be  claimed  as  a  right  only  by  the 
members  of  the  particular  church  by  which  it  is 
observed,  yet  it  is  customary,  as  an  act  of  courtesy, 
to  invite  members  of  other  Baptist  churches,-  of 
hke  faith  and  order,  who  may  be  present  at  the 
administration,  to  remain  and  partake. 

Note  3.— The  communion  and  fellowship  in  the 
Supper  is  with  Christ,  "the  head,  "  and  not  with 
each  other  as  "  the  members."  "  Do  this  in  re- 
membrance of  me."  All  thought  and  sympathy 
in  the  service  should  be  centred  in  him  who  is 
"  the  living  bread,  "  and  not  fixed  on  each   other.* 


♦For  a  full  discassion  of  controverted  questions  respecting  Bap- 
tism and  Communion  see  the  *'  Baptist  Short  Method,  "  by  tile 
author  of  this  work. 


33 

OFFICERS. 


The  officers  of  a  church,  according  to  New 
Testament  teaching,  are  pastors,  called  also 
Dishops,  presbyters,  elders  and  overseers ;  whose 
oversight,  authority  and  duties  are  mainly  in 
spiritual  things;  and  deacojts,  whose  official  duties 
are  chiefly  an  oversight  of  the  temporal  concerns 
of  the  church,  and  in  general,  as  helpers  of  the 
pastor.  The  qualifications  for  both  offices  are  set 
forth  in  the  Epistles  to  Timothy  and  Titus. 

Note  i. — In  the  election  of  either  a  pastor  or 
deacon,  notice  of  such  election  should  be  given 
from  the  puluit,  for  at  least  two  Sundays  preceding 
the  time  for  the  same.  The  election  should  be  by 
ballot,  and  at  least  three-quarters  of  the  votes  cast 
should  be  necessary  for  the  election  of  a  pastor, 
and  two-thirds  for  the  election  of  a  deacon.  And 
such  elections  should  be  preceded  by  prayer,  and 
conducted  without  party  influences. 

Note  2. —  Both  pastor  and  deacons  should  be 
elected  for  unlimited  time  of  service,  and  so  long 
as  there  shall  be  mutual  satisfaction.  (Though 
deacons  may  sometimes  be  properly  elected  for  a 
limited  term.)  Such  a  course  tends  less  to  depre- 
ciate and  make  servile  the  offices,  and  their  duties, 
in  the  estimation  of  the  people,  and  those  who 
Oear  them,  than  limited  periods  of  service. 


34 

Note  3. — The  relation  between  the  pastor  and 
church  may  be  dissolved  at  the  option  of  eitner, 
by  giving  three  tnonlks'  notice ;  or  otherwise  by 
mutual  consent.  Between  the  church  and  the 
deacons,  the  relation  may  be  dissolved,  at  the 
option  of  either,  without  previous  notice. 

Note  4. — The  church  is  to  fix  the  amount  of 
salary  necessary  to  a  generous  support  of  the 
pastor,  and  hold  itself  obligated  by  every  consid- 
eration of  christian  honor,  for  the  prompt  and 
regular  payment  of  the  same.  To  fail  in  this  is  as 
dishonorable  to  the  church,  as  it  is  unjust  and 
vexatious  to  the  pastor. 

Note  5. — The  number  of  deacons  is  optional 
with  the  church.  It  is  usually  from  three  to  seven. 
But  election  to  the  deaconship  should  never  take 
place  unless  there  are  candidates  whose  fitness  for 
the  office  is  generally  conceded  ;  never  merely  for 
the  sake  of  filling  an  office. 

Note  6. — A  church  clerk  is  ejected  annually,  at 
;i  business  meeting,  by  a  majority  vote.  It  is  an 
office  of  convenience,  for  keeping  the  minutes  and 
preserving  the  records  of  the  body.  Trustees  are 
also  elected  by  the  church,  or,  if  the  law  makes 
this  necessary,  by  a  "society";  their  duties  are 
the  care  of  the  property,  providing  for  and  paying 
current  expenses,  and  in  general,  the  management 
of  church  temporalities. 


35 

Note  7. — The  offices  of  trust  and  service  in  a 
church  should  be  as  widely  distributed  among  the 
members  as  practicable.  This  rule  should  seldom 
be  disregarded.  No  one  man  should  hold  more 
than  one  office  at  the  same  time,  unless  the  inter- 
ests of  the  church  positively  require  it.  If  offices 
are  honors,  they  should  be  as  widely  dispensed  as 
possible  ;  if  they  are  burdens,  they  certainly  should 
be.  For  the  same  member  to  hold  several  offices 
at  once,  is  as  unjust  to  him,  as  to  his  brethren. 

Note  8. — It  is  customary  for  the  tyttstees  to  ap- 
point one  of  their  own  number  as  treasurer,  to 
receive,  hold,  and  pay  out  on  their  order,  such 
funds  as  they  control.  While  the  church  elects 
annually  a  treasurer  to  hold,  account  for,  and  pay 
out,  as  directed  by  vote  of  the  body,  funds  col- 
lected for  missions,  the  sick,  communion  service, 
and  other  benevolent  matters,  not  included  in  the 
temporalities  of  the  church,  as  managed  by  the 
trustees. 


36 


MEMBERSHIP. 

Persons  may  become  memb'^rs  of  the  church  as 
follow  s : 

1.  By  Baptism  ;  the  church,  after  having  listened 
to  their  religious  experience,  and  being  satis5ed 
with  the  same,  and  with  their  Christian  deport- 
ment, votes  to  receive  them  to  its  fellowship  on 
being  baptized. 

2.  By  Letter;  such  letter  of  dismission  and 
recommendation  being  presented  from  another 
Baptist  Church  of  the  same  faith  and  order, 
accompanied  with  satisfactory  evidence  of  Chris- 
tian character. 

3.  By  Experience ;  they  having  been  baptized, 
but  being  members  of  no  church,  or  of  another 
denomination  ;  giving  satisfactory  evidence  of 
Christian  character,  and  of  substantial  agreement 
with  the  church  in  matters  of  faith  and  practice. 

Note  i. — Persons  can  not  be  received  to  mem- 
bership on  the  credit  of  letters  from  other  denom- 
inations. Such  letters  will,  however,  be  accepted 
as  certificates  of  Christian  character,  and  of  church 
standing. 

Note  2. — While  the  church  does  not  require 
candidates  to  sign  any  creed,  confession,  or  articles 
of  faith,  yet  it  does  expect  a  substantial  agreement 
in  matters  of  faith  and  practice,  on  the  part  of  its 
members,  as  essential  both  to  the  harmony  and 
efficiency  of  the  body. 


Zl 


Note  3. — Should  any  member  object  to  the  re^ 
ccpt:on  of  a  candidate,  such  reception  should  be 
deferred  to  consider  the  reasons  for  the  objection. 
Objections  judged  groundless,  or  unreasonable, 
should  not  prevent  the  reception  of  a  suitable 
cand  date--,  yet  no  one  should  be  received  except 
by  a  unanimous  or  nearly  unanimous  vote. 

Note  4. — It  is  customary  for  candidates,  after 
their  experience,  or  letters,  have  been  presented,  to 
retire  wh  le  the  church  deliberates  and  acts  upon 
their  case. 

Note  5. — Any  member  in  good  standing,  shall 
be  entitled,  at  any  t  me,  to  a  letter  of  dismission, 
in  the  usual  form,  with  which  to  unite  with 
another  church  of  the  same  faith  and  order. 

Note  6. — All  letters  shall  be  valid  for  six 
months  only,  during  which  time  they  must  be 
used,  if  used  at  all.  But  if  held  longe%  they  may 
be  renewed  by  the  church,  if  satisfactory  reasons 
are  given  for  their  non-use. 

Note  7. — Each  one  receiving  a  letter  is  still  a 
memner  of  the  church,  and  under  its  watch,  care 
and  discipline,  until  his  letter  is  actually  received 
by  another  church. 

Note  8. — Letters  cannot  be  given  to  members 
for  the  purpose  of  uniting  with  churches  with 
which  we  are  not  in  fellowship.  But  any  member 
is  entitled,  at  any  time,  to  receive  a  certificate  o. 
standing,  and  Christian  character. 


38 

Note  9. — No  member  can  withdraw  from  the 
church,  or  have  his  name  dropped,  or  at  his  own 
request  be  excluded  from  the  fellowship  of  the 
body. 

Note  10. — Nor  can  a  member  have  a  letter 
voted  and  forced  upon  him  without  his  wish  and 
consent.  Such  would  be  a  virtual  expulsion  from 
the  body.  If  worthy  to  receive  a  letter,  he  cannot 
be  forced  out  ot  the  church  without  his  consent. 

Note  ii. — Members  living-  remote  from  the 
church  are  expected  to  unite  with  some  Baptvst 
church  near  their  residence  ;  or  ^ive  satisfactory 
reasons  for  not  doing  so.  When  they  cannot  so 
unite,  they  are  expected  to  report  themselves  to 
the  church  at  least  once  each  year,  and  contribute 
to  its  support,  till  they  cease  to  be  members. 

Note  12. — Letters  of  dismission  may  be  revok- 
ed, at  any  time  before  being-  used,  if,  in  the  judg- 
ment of  the  church,  there  be  sufficient  reason  for 
such  action. 

Note  13. — Church  fellowship  will  be  withdrawn 
from  members  who  unite  with  other  denomina- 
tions ;  because,  however  excellent  their  character, 
or  sincere  their  intentions,  they  have  broken  cove- 
nant with  the  church,  and  by  such  act  have  placed 
themselves  beyond  the  limits  of  its  fellowship. 


39 

Note  14.  —  Persons  excluded  from  other 
churches  cannot  be  received  to  membership,  ex- 
cept after  the  most  careful  investigation  of  all  the 
facts  in  the  case,  and  not  unless  it  be  manifest 
that  the  exclusion  was  unjustifiable,  and  that  th( 
'church  excluding  persistently  refuses  to  do  justici  i 
to  the  excluded  member. 

Note  15. — A  letter  is  usually  asked  for  and 
addressed  to  a  particular  church.  This  is  proper, 
but  not  necessary.  It  may  be  asked  for,  and  given 
"to  any  church  of  the  same  faith  and  arder."  Or 
if  directed  to  one,  it  may  be  presented  to,  and  re- 
ceived by  another. 

Note  16. —  It  is  expected  that  all  pecuniary 
.'lability  to  the  church  will  be  canceled,  and  all 
personal  difficulties  in  the  church  will  be  settled 
by  a  member,  should  such  exist,  before  he  asks 
for,  or  receives  a  letter  of  dismission. 

Note  17. — Each  member,  without  exception,  i? 
expected  to  fill  his  place  in  the  church,  in  attend-  ■ 
ance  on  its  appointments,  as  Providence  may 
allow,  and  also  to  contribute  of  his  means  for  the 
pecuniary  support  of  the  church,  according  to  his 
ability.  If  in  either  of  these  respects  he  fails,  and 
refuses,  he  becomes  a  covenant-breaker,  and  ii 
subject  to  the  discipline  of  the  body. 


40 
DISCIPLINE. 


In  the  adminstration  of  corrective  discipline, 
for  the  seitlement  of  difficulties,  and  the  removal 
of  offences,  the  church  will  be  guided  by  the 
following  rules  and  principles. 

In  Private  Offences. 

In  private  offe7ices,  or  such  as  one  member  may 
commit  against  another  member,  occasioning  a 
grievance  which  does  not  affect  any  other  person 
or  persons,  the  course  prescribed  by  our  Saviour, 
in  Matihew,  i8th  chap.,  should  be  strictly  followed. 

1.  First  Sup. — Tne  member  who  considers 
himstrlf  injured  must  go  to  the  offender,  tell  him 
his  grief,  and  between  themselves  alone,  if  possible, 
adjust  and  settle  the  difficulty.  "  If  thy  brother 
shall  trespass  against  thee,  go  and  tell  him  his 
fault,  between  thee  and  him  alone."  This  must 
be  done,  not  to  charge,  upbraid,  or  condemn  the 
offender,  but  to  win  him.  "It  he  shall  hear  thee, 
thou  hast  gained  thy  brother." 

2.  Second  Step. —  If  this  shall  fail,  then  the 
offended  member  must  take  one  or  two  of  the 
brethren  with  him,  seek  an  interview  with  the 
offender,  and,  if  possible,  by  their  united  wisdom 
and  piety,  remove  the  offence  and  harmonize  the 
difficulty.  "  But  if  he  will  not  hear  thee,  then  take 
with  thee  one  or  two  more,  that  in  the  mouth  of 


41 


two  or  three  witnesses  every  word  may  be 
established." 

3.  Third  Step. — If  this  step  should  prove  un- 
availing, then  the  offended  mcnber  must  tell  the 
whole  matter  to  the  c/iurch,  and  leive  it  in  their 
hands  to  be  disposed  of,  as  to  them  may  seem 
wisest  and  best.  "  And  if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear 
them,  tell  it  to  the  church  ;  and  if  he  neglect  to 
hear  the  church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as  a  heathen 
man,  and  a  publican." 

Note  I. —  While  this  divine  rule  makes  it 
obligatory  on  the  offended  member  to  go  to  the 
offender  and  seek  a  reconciliation,  yet  much  more 
is  it  ohl  gatory  on  any  member  who  knows  that  a 
brother  is  grieved  with  him,  to  seek  such  an  one, 
and  try  to  remove  the  difficulty. 

"  If  thou  bring  thy  gift  to  the  altar,  and  there 
rememberest  that  thy  brother  hath  aught  against 
thee,  leave  there  thy  gift  before  the  altar,  and  go 
thy  way  ;  first  be  reconciled  to  thy  brother,  and 
then  come  and  offer  thy  gitt'." 

No  IE  2. — The  matter  is  not  to  be  made  public 

until  these  three  steps  have  been  fully  taken,  and 

have  failed  ;  and  then  to  be  made    public  only  by 

telling  the  church,  and  no  others. 

Note  3. — When  the  case  comes  before  the 
church,  it  must  not  be  neglected,  or  dropped,  but 
be  judiciously  pursued  until  the  difficultv  be  ad- 
jus  ed,  the  offence  removed,  or  else  the  offender  be 
disfcliowshipped,  and  put  away. — 1  Matt.  v.  23. 


42 


In  Public  Offences. 

Public  offences  are  such  as  are  supposed  to  be  a 
reproach  or  an  injury  to  the  church  as  a  body,  cr 
to  the  reputation  of  religion.  They  are  not  against 
any  one  psrson,  more  than  another. 

The  more  common  causes  of  pubHc  offence  are 
the  tollowing:  False  doctrine' ;  disregard  of 
authority- ;  contention  and  strife^;  immoral  con- 
duct"* ;  disorderly  walk^ :  covetous  spirit*^ ;  arrogant 
conduct^ ;  going  to  lavv^. 

The  following  is  generally  accepted  as  the 
proper  course  of  treatment  for  public  offences. 

1.  The  first  member  who  has  knowledge  of  the 
offence,  should,  as  in  the  case  of  private  offences, 
seek  the  offerider,  cijcertain  the  facts,  and  attempt 
to  reconcile  or  remove  the  difficulty.  Not  till  he 
has  done  this  should  he  make  it  public,  or  bring  it 
before  the  church. 

2.  But  if  no  one  will,  or  can,  pursue  this  course 
of  personcl  effort,  or  if  such  a  course  proves  un- 
successful, then  any  member  having  knowledge  ot 
the  facts  should  confer  wi  h  the  pastor  and  dea- 
cons, as  to  the  best  course  to  be  pursued. 

3.  The  pas'.or  and  d -ac^ns  should,  by    the    best 

*G*1.  i.  9. — 3  John  10 — 'Matt,  xviii.  17. — 1  Thes.  v.  14. — 'Roii. 
XVI.  17. — •*!  Cor.  V.  II. — *2  Thes.  iii.  6,  g. — "Eph.  v.  5. — i  Cor-  v. 
II. — '3  John  9. —  *!  Cor.  vi.  6. 


43 


method  they  are  capable  cf  devising,  labor  to 
acju  t  the  mat  er,  w.thout  bring;!;  g  it  into  ihe 
church,  or  oiherw:se  making  it  publ  c. 

4.  But  if  thtir  efforts  fail,  or  if  the  case  be  al- 
ready pu:jlic,  and  a  reproa:;h  and  scandal  tj 
religion,  then  thry  should  bring  it  to  the  c  urci, 
and  direct  the  course  of  discipl.ne  as  seems  w.  xst. 

5.  The  churcn,  thus  having  the  c  ise  before 
them,  should  either  appoint  a  commi',  ee  to  vi  it 
the  offender,  or  cite  h  m  helore  the  body  to  answer 
the  charg'".  He  should  be  allov\ed  to  hear  the 
evidence  against  him,  kr.ovv  the  witnesses,  and  be 
permitted  to  answer  tor  himself. 

6.  If  the  accused  disproves  the  charge?,  or  if  he 
confesses  the  wrong,  makes  su  table  acknowledge- 
ment, and  so  far  as  possible  repiration,  ui  h 
promise  of  amendment,  in  all  ordinary  cases,  this 
should  be  deemed  satisfactory,  and  the  case  be 
dismissed. 

7.  But  if,  after  pa  lent,  deliberate,  and  prayerful 
labor,  all  efforts  f  lil  to  reclaim  the  offender,  then, 
however  painful  the  necessity,  the  church  must 
withdraw  its  fellowship  from  him,  and  put  him 
away  from  them. 

8.  If  the  case  be  one  of  flagrant  immorality,  by 
which  the  reputation  of  the  t)ody  is  compromised, 
and  i^e  Christian  name  scandalized,  the  hand  of 
fellowship  should  be  withdrawn  from  the  offender, 


44 


notwithstanding  any  confessions  and  promises    of 
amendment. 

The  church's  good  namt^,  and  the  honor  of  re- 
ligion demands  this  testimony  against  evil.  He 
may  be  subsequently  restored  if  suitably  penitent. 

Note  I. — All  discipline  must  be  conducted  in 
the  spirit  of  Christian  meekness  and  love,  With  a 
desire  to  remove  offences,  and  win  offenders.  It 
must  also  be  done  under  a  deep  sense  of  respons- 
ibility to  maintain  the  honor  of  Chrst's  name, 
the  puri  y  of  his  church,  and  integrity  of  his  truth. 

Note  2. — If  any  member  shall  attempt  to 
bring  a  private  grievance  before  the  church,  or 
otherwise  make  it  public,  before  he  has  pursued 
the  course  prescribed  in  Matthew,  xviii.  chapter 
he  becomes  h  mself  an  offender,  and  subject  to  the 
discipline  of  the  body. 

Note  3. — When  private  d'fficulties  exist  among 
members,  which  they  cannot,  cr  will  not  s-tte, 
the  church  should  consider  them  as  public  ofTencer, 
and  as  such  dispose  of  them,  rither  than  suffer  the 
perpetual  injury  which  they  inflict. 

Note  4. — Whea  a  member  refers  any  private 
difficulty  to  the  church,  which  he  has  been  unable 
:o  settle,  he  must  submit  it  wholly  to  the  dis- 
position of  the  body,  and  abide  by  their  decision. 
If  he  attenr!pts  to  revive  and  prosecute  it  beyond 
the  decision  of  the  church,  he  becomes  an  offender, 
and  subject  to  discipline. 


45 


Note  5. — Any  member  tried  by  the  church  has 
the  right  to  receive  copies  of  all  charges  against 
him,  the  names  of  his  accusers  and  vvitnessess, 
both  of  whom  he  shall  have  the  privilege  of  meet- 
ing face  to  face,  hearing  iheir  statements,  bnnging 
witnesses  on  his  side,  and  answering  for  himselt 
before  the  body. 

Note  6, — Every  member,  on  trial,  or  excluded, 
sh^ll  have  furnished,  at  his  request,  authentic 
copies  of  all  prcoeedings  had  by  the  c-hurch  in  his 

a  e. 

Note  7. — No  member  under  discipline  can  have 
the  right  to  bring  any  person,  not  a  member,  be- 
fore the  church  as  his  advocate,  except  by  consent 
of  the  body. 

Note  8. — In  every  case  of  exclusion,  the 
charges  against  the  member,  and  the  reasons  for 
his  exclusion,  should  be  accurately  entered  on  the 
records  of  the  church. 

Note  9. — If  at  any  time  it  shall  become  appar- 
ent, or  seem  probable  to  the  church,  that  it  has 
for  any  reason  dealt  unjustly  wiih  a  member,  or 
excluded  him  without  sufficient  cause,  it  should  at 
once,  and  without  request,  by  concession  and  res- 
toration, so  far  as  possible  repair  the  injury  it  has 
done. 

Note  10. — The  church  should  hold  itself  bound 
to  restore  to  its  fellowship  an  excluded  m.ember. 


46 

whenever  he  givrs  satisfactory  evidence  of  repent 
ance  und  re  orma-ion  consistent  with  godliness. 

Note  ii. — The  c^iurch  will  exercise  its  legiti- 
mate authority,  and  vindicate  its  honor  and  recti- 
ta  e  in  the  admins  rat  on  of  discipline,  even 
thou^i;h  the  me  nber  should  regard  such  discipline 
as  ui  j   st  or  oppress  ve. 

KOTE  12. — Nothing  can  be  considered  a  just 
and  reasorable  cause  for  discipline  except  what  is 
forbidden  by  the  le  tv  r  or  the  spirit  of  Scripture. 
And  nothing  can  be  considered  a  sufficient  cause 
for  disfellovvship  and  exclusion,  except  what  is 
clesr'y  contrary  to  Scrip:ure,  and  what  would  have 
prevented  the  recepiion  of  the  person  inio  the 
church,  had  it  been  known  to  exist  at  the  time  of 
his  reception.* 


% 


CHURCH    BUSINESS. 


The  business  meetings  of  the  church  should  be 
conducted  as  much  as  possible  in  the  spirit  of 
devotion,  and  under  a  sense  of  the  propriety  and 
sanctity  which  attaches  to  the  kingdom  of  God. 

*For  a  comprehensive  view  of  Church  order  and  discipline,  se« 
that  subject  in  "  The  Baptist  Church  Directory." 


47 


Order  of  Business. 

1.  The  meetings  to  be  opened  with  reading  the 
Scriptures,  singing,  and  prayer. 

2.  The  reading,  correction,  and  approval  of  the 
minutes  of  the  preceding  meeting. 

3.  Unfinished  business,  or  such  as  the  minutes 
present,  including  reports  of  committee  taken  in 
order. 

4.  New  business  will  next  be  taken  up.  Any 
member  may  call  up  new  business.  But  important 
matters  should  not  be  presented,  except  on  pre- 
vious consultation  with  the  pastor  and  deacons. 

Note  i. — The  pastor  is,  by  virtue  of  his  office, 
moderator  of  all  church  business  meetings.  If  he 
be  not  present,  or  do  not  wish  to  serve,  any  one 
may  be  elected  to  take  the  place. 

Note  2. — All  business  meetings  should  be  an- 
nounced from  the  pulpit  one  Sabbath  at  least, 
before  they  are  held. 

Note  3. — Special  meetings  for  business  may  be 
called  at  any  time,  by  consent  of  the  pastor  and 
deacons. 

Note  4. — Though  a  majority  usually  decides 
questions,  yet  in  all  matters  of  special  importance, 
unanimous,  or  nearly  unanimous,  vote  should  be 
Becured. 

Note  5. — Members  may  be  received,  and  let- 
ters of  dismission  granted,  either  at  the  business 


48 


church  meeting,  the  covenant  meeting,  or  the 
regular  weekly  prayer  meeting,  the  church  so 
directing. 

Note  6. — Candidates  for  admission  to  member- 
ship will  be  expected  to  retire  from  the  meeting 
when  action  is  taken  on  their  reception. 

Note  7. — No  persons,  except  members,  will  be 
expected  to  be  present  during  the  transaction  of 
church  business.  If  present,  they  may  be  asked 
to  retire. 

Note  8. — Although  the  church  should  en- 
deavor to  do  nothing  which  its  members  will  be 
ashamed  or  afraid  to  have  known  by  others,  yet 
every  member  is  bound,  by  the  honor  of  a  Chris- 
tian, not  to  publish  abroad,  nor  disclose  to  those 
without,  the  private  affairs  and  business  transac- 
tions of  the  body. 

Rules  of  Order. 

The  following  constitute  the  gen«erally  accepted 
rules  of  order  for  church,  and  other  business  pro- 
ceedings. 

Motions. 

I.  All  business  shall  be  presented  by  a  motion 
made  by  one  member,  and  seconded  b  anothea* 
and  presented  in  writing  by  the  mover,  if  so  re- 
quired. 


49 


2.  No  discussion  can  properly  be  had  until  the 
motion  is  made,  seconded,  and  stated  by  the  chair- 
man. 

3.  A  motion  cannot  be  withdrawn  after  it  has 
been  discussed,  except  by  the  unanimous  consent 
of  the  body. 

4.  A  motion  having  been  discussed,  must  be 
put  to  vot3,  unless  withdrawn,  laid  on  the  table, 
referred,  or  postponed. 

5.  A  motion  lost  should  not  be  recorded,  except 
so  ordered  by  the  body  at  the  time. 

6.  A  motion  lost  cannot  be  renewed  at  the  same 
meeting,  except  by  unanimous  consent. 

7.  A  motion  should  contain  but  one  distinct 
proposition.  If  it  contains  more,  it  must  be 
divided  at  the  request  of  any  member,  and  the 
propositions  acted  on  separately. 

8.  Only  one  question  can  properly  be  before  the 
meeting  at  the  same  time.  No  second  motion  can 
be  allowed  to  interrupt  one  already  under  debate, 
except  a  motion  to  amend,  to  substitute,  to  com' 
mit,  to  postpone,  to  lay  on  the  table,  for  the  pre- 
vious question,  or  to  adjourn. 

9..  These  subsidiary  motions  just  named,  cannot 
be  interrupted  by  any  other  motion  :  nor  can  any 
other  motion  be  applied  to  them,  except  that  to 
amend,  which  may  be  done  by  specifying  some 
timet  place,  ox  purpose. 


so 


lo.  Nor  can  these  motions  interrupt  or  super- 
sede each  other  ;  only  that  a  motion  to  adjourn  is 
always  in  order,  except  while  a  member  has  the 
floor,  or  a  question  is  being  taken. 

Amendments. 

1.  Amendments  may  be  made  to  resolutions  in 
three  ways  :  By  omitiitig,  by  adding,  or  by  sub- 
stituting words  or  sentences. 

2.  An  amendment  to  an  amendment  may  be 
made,  but  is  seldom  necessary,  and  should  be 
avoided. 

3.  No  amendment  should  be  made  which  essen- 
tially changes  the  meaning  or  design  of  the  origi- 
nal resolution. 

4.  But  a  substitute  may  be  offered,  which  may 
change  entirely  the  meanmg  of  the  resolution  un- 
d-er  debate. 

5.  The  amendment  must  first  be  discussed 
and  acted  on,  and  then  the  original  resolution  as 
amended. 

Speaki7ig. 

1.  Any  member  desiring  to  speak  on  a  ques- 
tion, should  rise  in  his  place,  and  address  the 
moderator,  confine  his  remarks  to  the  question, 
and  avoid  all  unkmd  and  disrespectful  language. 

2.  A  speaker  using  improper  language,  intro- 
ducing improper  subjects,   or    otherwise    out    of 


order,  should  be  called  to  order  by  the  chairman, 

or  any  member,  and   must  either  conform  to  the 
regulations  of  the  body,  »r  take  his  seat. 

3.  A  member,  while  speaking,  can  allow  others 
to  ask  questions,  or  make  explanations ;  bjt  if  he 
yields  the  floor  to  another,  he  cannot  claim  it  again 
as  his  right. 

4.  If  two  members  rise  to  speak  at  the  same 
time,  preference  is  usually  given  to  the  one  farthest 
from  the  chair,  or  to  the  one  opposing  the  question 
under  discussion. 

5.  The  fact  that  a  person  has  several  times 
arisen,  and  attempted  to  get  the  floor,  gives  him 
no  claim  or  right  to  be  heard.  Nor  does  a  call 
/or  the  question  deprive  a  member  of  his  right  to 
speak. 

Voting. 

1.  A  question  is  put  to  vo'e  by  the  chairman, 
having  first  distinctly  re-stated  it,  that  all  may  vote 
intelligently.  First,  the  affirmative,  then  the 
negative'is  called  ;  each  so  deliberaely  as  to  give 
all  an  opportunity  of  voting.  He  then  distinctly 
announces  whether  the  motion  is  carried,  or  lost. 

2.  Voting  is  usually  done  by  "  aye  "  and  "  no,' 
or  by  raising  the  hand.  In  a  doubtful  case,  by 
standing,  and  being  counted.  On  certain  ques- 
tions, by  ballot. 


S2 


3.  If  the  vote,  as  announcea  Dy  the  chairman, 
is  doubted,  it  is  called  again,  usually  by  standing 
to  be  counted. 

4.  All  members  should  vote,  unless  for  reasons 
excused  ;  or  unless  under  discipline,  in  which  case 
they  should  take  no  part  in  the  business. 

5.  The  moderator  does  not  usually  vote,  except 
the  question  be  taken  by  ballot ;  but  when  the 
meeting  is  equally  divided,  he  usually  gives  the 
casting  vote, 

6.  When  the  vote  is  to  to  be  taken  by  ballot,  the 
chairman  appoints  tellers,  to  distribute,  collect,  and 
count  the  ballots. 

Committees. 

1.  Committees  are  nominated  by  the  chairman, 
if  so  directed  by  the  body,  or  by  any  member  ;  and 
the  nomination  is  confirmed  by  a  vote  of  the  body. 
More  commonly  the  body  directs  that  all  commit- 
tees shall  be  appointed  by  the  chairman,  in  which 
case  no  vote  is  needed  to  confirm. 

2.  Any  matter  of  business,  or  subject  under  de- 
bate, may  be  referred  to  a  committee,  with  or 
without  instructions.  The  committee  make  their 
report,  which  is  the  result  of  their  deliberations. 
The  body  then  takes  action  on  the  report,  and  on 
any  recommendations  it  may  contain. 

3.  The  report  of  a  committee  is  received  by  a 
vote,  which  acknowledges  their  services,  and  takes 


53 


the  report  before  the  body  for  its  action.  After- 
wards, any  distinct  recommendation  contained  in 
the  report  is  acted  on,  and  may  be  adopted  or  re- 
jected. 

4.  Frequently,  however,  when  the  recommenda- 
tions of  the  committee  are  of  trifling  moment,  or 
likely  to  be  generally  acceptable,  the  report  is  re- 
ceived and  adopted  by  the  same  vote. 

5.  A  report  may  be  recommitted  to  the  comnrvit- 
tee,  with  or  without  instructions  ;  or  that  commit- 
tee discharged,  and  the  matter  referred  to  a  new 
one,  for  further  consideration,  so  as  to  present  it 
in  a  form  more  likely  to  meet  the  general  concur- 
rence of  the  body. 

6.  A  committee  may  be  appointed  with  power, 
for  a  specific  purpose.  This  gives  them  power  to 
dripose  conclusively  of  the  matter,  without  further 
reference,  or  report  to  the  body. 

7.  The  first  named  in  the  appointment  of  a  com- 
mittee, is  by  courtesy  considered  the  chairman. 
But  the  committee  has  the  right  to  name  its  own 
chairman. 

8.  The  member  who  moves  the  appointment  of 
a  committee  is  usually,  though  not  necessarily, 
named  its  chairman. 

9.  The  committees  of  arrangement,  or  for  other 
protracted  service,  report  progress  from  time  to 
time,  and  are  continued  until  their  final  report,  or 
antil  their  appointment  expires  by  limitation. 


54 


lo.  A  committee  is  discharged  by  a  vote,  when 
its  business  is  done,  and  its  report  accepted.  But 
usually,  in  routine  business,  a  committee  is  con- 
sidered discharged  by  the  acceptance  of  its  re- 
port. 

Standing  Committee. 

A  committee  appointed  to  act  im  a  given  period 
or  durirg  the  recess  of  the  body,  is  called  a 
standing  committee.  It  has  charge  of  a  given 
department  of  business  assigned  by  the  body,  and 
acts  either  with  power,  under  instruction,  tr  at 
discretion,  as  may  be  ordered.  A  standing  com- 
mittee is  substantially  a  minor  board,  and  has  its 
own  chairman,  secretary,  records,  and  times  of 
meeting. 

Appeal. 

The  moderator  announces  all  votes,  and  decides 
all  questions  as  to  rules  of  proceeding,  and  order 
of  debate.  But  any  member  who  is  dissatisfied 
with  his  decisions,  may  appeal  from  them  to  the 
body.  The  moderator  then  puts  the  question, 
*  Shall  the  decision  of  the  chair  be  sustained?  ' 
The  vote  of  the  body,  whether  negative  or  affirm- 
ative, is  final.  The  right  of  appeal  is  undeniable, 
but  should  not  be  resorted  to  on  trivial  occasions. 


55 


Previous  Question. 

Debate  may  be  cut  short,  by  a  vote  to  take  the 
previous  question.  Th.s  means  that  the  original, 
or  main  question  under  discussion,  be  iTimediately 
voted  on,  regardless  of  amendments  and  second- 
ary quesiions,  and  without  further  debate. 

1.  If  the  motion  for  the  previous  question  be 
carried,  then  the  main  question  must  be  immed- 
iately taken,  without  further  debate. 

2.  If  the  motion  for  the  previous  question  be 
lost,  the  deba'e  proceeds,  as  though  no  such  mo- 
tion had  been  made. 

3.  If  the  motion  for  the  previous  question  be 
lost,  it  cannot  be  renewed  with  reference  to  the 
same  question,  during  that  session. 

To  Lay  on  the  Table. 

Immediate  and  decisive  action  on  any  question 
under  discussion  may  be  deferred,  by  a  vote  to 
lay  on  the  table  the  resolution  pending.  This  dis- 
poses of  the  whole  subject  for  the  present,  and 
ordinarily  is  in  effect  a  final  dismissal  of  it.  Bat 
any  member  has  the  right  subsequently  to  call  it 
up;  and  the  body  will  decide  by  vote  whether,  or 
not,  it  shall  be  taken  from  the  table. 

I.  Sometimes,  however,  a  resolution  is  laid  on 
the  table  for  the  present,  or  until  a  specified  time 
to  give  place  to  other  business. 


56 


2.  A  motion  to  lay  on  the  table  must  apply  to  a 
resolution,  or  other  papers.  An  abstract  subject 
cannot  be  disposed  of  in  this  way. 

Postponement. 

A  sxm^At  postponement  is  for  a  specified  time  or 
purpose,  the  business  to  be  resumed  when  the 
time  or  purpose  is  reached.  But  a  question  indefi- 
nitely postponed  is  considered  as  finally  dismissed. 

Not  Debatable. 

Certain  mo'.ions,  by  established  usage,  are  not 
debatable,  but  when  once  before  the  body,  must 
be  taken  without  discussion. 

These  are  :  The  previous  question,  for  indefinite 
postponement,  to  commit,  to  lay  on  the  table,  to 
adjourti. 

But  when  these  motions  are  modified  by  some 
condition  of  time,  place,  or  purpose,  they  become 
debitable,  and  subject  to  the  rules  of  other  mo- 
tions. 

A  body  is,  however,  competent,  by  a  vote,  to 
allow  debate  on  all  motions. 

To  Reconsider. 

A  motion  to  reconsider  a  motion  previously 
passed,  must  be  made  by  one  who  voted  for  the 
motion  when  it  passed. 


57 


If  the  body  votes  to  reconsider,  then  the  motion 
or  resolution,  being  reconsidered,  stands  before 
them  as  previous  to  its  passage,  and  may  be  dis- 
cussed, adopted  or  rejected. 

A  vote  to  reconsider  should  be  taken  at  the 
same  session  at  which  the  vote  reconsidered  was 
passed,  and  when  there  are  as  many  members 
present. 

Be  Discussed. 

If,  when  a  question  is  introduced,  any  member 
objects  to  its  discuss'on,  as  foreign,  profitless,  or 
contentious,  the  moderator  should  at  once  put  the 
question,  ''Shall  tJiis  motion  be  discussed  f  If 
this  question  be  decided  in  the  negative,  the  sub- 
ject must  be  dismissed. 

Order  of  the  Day. 

The  body  may  decide  to  take  up  some  definite 
business  at  a  specifiei  time.  That  business  there- 
by becomes  the  order  of  the  dj,y,  for  that  hour. 
When  the  time  mentioned  arrives,  the  chairman 
calls  the  business,  or  any  member  may  demand  it, 
with  or  without  a  vote  ;  and  all  pending  questions 
are  postponed  in  consequence. 

Point  of  Order. 

Any  member  who  believes  that  a  speaker  is  out 
of  order,  or  that  discussion  is  proceeding  improp- 
erly, may  at  any  time  rise  to  a  point  of  order.    He 


58 

must  distinctly  state   his   question    or   object'on, 
which  the  moderator  will  decide. 

Privileges. 

Questions  relating  to  the  rights  and  privileges 
cf  members,  are  of  primary  importance,  and,  until 
disposed  of,  take  precedence  of  all  other  business, 
and  supersede  all  other  motions,  except  that  of 
adjournment. 

Rule  Suspended. 

A  rule  of  order  may  be  suspended  by  a  vote  of 
the  body,  to  allow  the  transaction  of  business  nec- 
essary, but  which  could  not  otherwise  be  done 
without  a  violation  of  such  rule. 

Filling  Blanks. 
Where  different  numbers  are  suggested  for  fill- 
ing blanks,  the  highest  nmnhpr    n^reatest  distance, 
and  longest  time  are  usually  voted  on  first. 

Adjournment. 

1.  A  simple  motion  to  adjourn  is  always  in 
order,  except  while  a  member  is  speaking,  or  when 
taking  a  vote.  It  takes  precedence  ot  all  other 
motions,  and  is  not  debatable. 

2.  In  some  deliberative  bodies,  a  motion  to  ad- 
journ is  in  order  wh  le  a  speaker  has  the  floor,  or 
a  vote  is  being  taken,  the  business  to  stand,  on  re- 
;  ssembling,  precisely  as  when  adjournment  took 
place. 


99 


3.  A  body  may  adjourn  to  a  specified  time ;  but 
if  no  time  be  mentioned,  the  fixed,  or  usual  time 
of  meeting  is  understood.  If  there  be  no  fixed, 
01  usual  time  of  meeting,  then  an  adjournment 
without  date,  is  equivalent  to  a  dissolution. 

Note. — While  it  may  not  be  best  to  abide  too 
rigidly  by  parliamentary  rules  in  church  meetings, 
yet  it  is  still  worse  to  drift  into  a  loose,  unbusiness- 
like way,  which  wastes  time,  accomplishes  little* 
ind  does  wrongly  much  that  is  done. 

STANDING  RESOLUTIONS. 


There  are  certain  moral  and  social  questions 
which  often  occasion  perplexity,  with  respect  to 
which  each  church  should  have  settled  convic- 
'ions,  and  hold  a  well-defined  attitude. 

It  is  not  wise  to  put  definitions  and  restrictions 
ouching  intemperance,  card  -  playing,  dancing, 
Jieater-going,  and  the  like,  into  church  covenants, 
or  articles  of  faith.  A  better  way  is  to  vote  stand- 
ing resolutions,  to  be  placed  on  the  records  to 
guide  the  action  of  the  church. 

Something  like  the  following,  to  be  varied  at 
the  option  of  the  body,  would  serve  as  a  declara- 
tion of  its  position  : 

I.  Resolved,  That  tr.is  church  will  expect  each 
member  to  contribute  statedly  for  its  support,  ac- 
cording to  his  ability,  as  God  hath  prospered  him. 


6o 


2.  Resolved,  That  this  church  will  entertain  and 
contribute  statedly  to  the  leading  objects  of  Chris- . 
tian  benevolence  approved  of,  and  supported  by 
our  denomination. 

3.  Resolved,  That  the  religious  education  of  the 
young,  and  Bible  study  as  represented  in  Sunday- 
school  work,  commend  themselves  to  our  confi- 
dence, and  we  will,  to  the  extent  of  our  ability, 
give  them  our  sympathy  and  our  aid,  by  both  our 
personal  co-operation  and  our  contributions. 

4.  Resolved,  That  in  our  opinion,  the  use  ol 
intoxicating  drinks  as  a  beverage,  and,  also,  the 
manufacture  and  the  sale  of  the  same,  for  sucl 
a  use,  are  contrary  to  Christian  morality,  injurious 
to  personal  piety,  and  a  hindrance  to  Gospel 
truth  ;  and  that  persons  so  using,  making,  or  sell- 
ing, are  thereby  disqualified  for  membership  in 
this  Church. 

5.  Resolved,  That  we  eniphatically  condemn  the 
practice  of  church  members  attending  theatres 
and  other  similar  places  of  popular  amusement,  as 
inconsistent  with  a  Christian  profession,  detrimen- 
tal to  personal  piety,  and  pernicious  in  the  influ- 
ence of  its  example  on  others, 

6.  Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this  Church 
are  earnestly  requested  not  to  provide  for,  take 
part  in,  or  by  any  means  encourage  dancing,  or 
card-playing ;  but  in  all  consistent  ways  to  dis- 
countenance the  same,  as  harm^ful  to  godliness  in 
their  associations  and  tendencies,  and  an  offence 
to  brethren  whom  we  should  not  willingly  grieve 


FORMS   AND    BLANKS. 

Minutes  of  a  Church  Meeting. 

New  York,  Oct. — ,  i8— . 

The  Church  held  its  regular  meeting  for  busi- 
ness this  evening,  at  —  o'clock 

The  Pastor :  Moderator. 

After  singing,  and  reading  the  Scriptures,  prayer 
was  offered  by . 

Minutes  of  the  last  meeting  were  read  and  ap- 
proved. 

[Then  follows  an  accurate  record  of  all  the  bus- 
iness done,] 

The  meeting  acjourned. 

,  Clerk. 


Call  for  an  Ordaining  Council. 

New  York,  Oct.  — ,  i8--. 

The Church  of 

To  the Church  of 

Dear  Brethren  : 

You  are  requested  to  send  your  pastor  and  two 
delegates,  to  meet  in  council  with  us,  Nov.  — ,  at 
—  o'clock  A.  M.,  to  consider  the  propriety  of  pub- 
licly setting  apart  to  the  work  of  the  Gospel 
ministry,  our  brother . 


The  Council  will  meet  in . 

The  following  churches  are  invited- 
By  order  of  the  Church, 


-Clerk. 


62 


Call  for  a  Recognizing  Council. 

New  York,  Oct.  — ,i8 — . 

To  the Church  of 

Dear  Brethren  : 
In  behalf  of  a  company  of  believers  in  Christ, 
you  are  requested  to    send  your  pastor   and  two 

deleg-ates,  to  meet  in  council  at ,  Nov.  — ,  at 

—  o'clock  P.M„  to  consider  the  propriety  of  recog- 
nizin.^  said  company  of  believers  as  a  regular  and 
independent  Cnurch. 

The  Council  will  meet  in . 

The  following  churches  are  invited . 

Affectionately  yours, 

Com.  or  Clerk. 


Note. — By  some,  it  is  earnestly  contended,  tha' 
a  council  to  recogn'ze  a  church,  should  be  called  to 
render  its  advice  before  the  church  is  constituted, 
and  net  afterwards.  Advice  asked,  or  given  after 
the  act  is  consummated,  seems  a  meaningless  ser- 
vice. 


Call  for  an  Advisory  Council. 

New  York,  Oct.  — ,  i8  - .. 

The Church  of 

To  the Church  of  — 


63 


Dear  Brethren  : 

You  are  requested  to  send  your  pastor  and  two 
d  legates,  to  meet  in  council,  Nov.  — ,  at  —  o'clock 
p.  M.,  to  advise  concerning  certain  difficulties  ex- 
isting among  us,  which  disturb  our  peace,  and 
threaten  the  most  serious  consequences  to  the  wel- 
fare of  the  Church. 

The  Counc  1  will  be  held  in . 


The  following  churches  are  invited— 
By  order  of  the  Church, 


— ,  Clerk. 


Letter  of  Dis7nission, 

The  Church  of 

To  the —  Church  of 

Dear  Brethren  : 

This  is  to   certify   that is  a  member  of 

this  Church  in  good  and  regjlar  standing,  and.  at 
—  own  request,  is  hereby  dismissed  from  us.  to 
unite  with  you.  When  —  shall  have  so  united, — 
connection  with  us  will  cease.  May  the  blessing 
of  God  rest  on ,  and  on  you. 

Done  by  order  of  the  Church,  New  York,  Oct 
-,  i8— .  Clerk. 

This  letter  is  valid  for  six  tnonths  frojn  date. 


Note. — It  is  customary  for  a  letter  to  be  asked 
for  and  given,  to  uni  e  with  a  particular  Church,  to 
be  named  in  the  letter.  But  it  may  be  asked  for, 
and  given  to  "  any  Church  of  the  same  faith  and 
order."  If  given  to  a  specified  Church,  it  may  be 
used  for  any  other  similar  Church,  if  thought 
necessary. 


m 


;§•:•:•> 


i  ^^^. 


Letter  of  Commendation. 

This  certifies  that is  a  member  iu 

good  and  regular  standing,  of  the Church 

of ;  and  as  such,  I  most  cordially  commend 

—  to  the  confidence,  sympathy,  and  fellowship  oS 
sister  churches,  wherever  Providence  may  direct  — 
course.  ,  Pastor. 


Note. —  Such  a  letter  is  given  to  members  dur- 
ing a  temporary  absence  from  home,  and  as  an 
introduction  among  strangers. 


